Are you Overwhelmed or Stressed Out?

It seems as if this time of year always stresses me out and overwhelms me!  It should be a joyous time when we are winding up our school year and deciding what activities we should continue into the summer, but it isn’t.  It seems as if each year around this time I feel the stress of trying to plan what studies my oldest will do the next year.  I then reflect on what he has done in the past to evaluate the appropriateness of having his younger sisters follow suit.  As each year passes, and my son gets older, I realize how vital the selection of the subjects/materials are to the rest of his life.  He will be entering high school next year and passing this milestone seems to overwhelm me with questions on how to accurately prepare him for college. 

Well, having said all this, my son in his usual wit has summed it all up perfectly.  I was grading a recent Algebra assignment and following a half worked problem I read this message. . . .

“I am deeply apologetic and very hesitant to inform you that this problem is beyond my capabilities at this point.  If you would be lenient enough to assist me in my struggles, I would offer my greatest thanks. 

My deepest gratitude,

Your son

P.S.  An alternate option would be to prolong the date and/or time this particular test is due.”

This statement put into perspective my struggle.  Why am I trying to do this on my own?  I need HELP!  Have I really given it to the Lord, or am I doing this in my own strength?  I am reminded of a Psalm. . .

Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer.  From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.  For You have been a shelter to me, a strong tower from the enemy.  I will abide in Your tabernacle forever.  I will trust in the shelter of Your wings.  Psalm 61:2

graphics taken from art.com