MY HUSBAND and I are frequently asked, "How do you keep your busy schedule, stay sane, and not become totally exhausted?" As I pondered that question, I realized there are several things we have practiced during our almost 53 years of marriage that have enabled us to maintain the schedule we have.

You may not realize the effects worry has on your physical body. My father-in-law used to call worrying a sin. He consistently

emphasized that people did not need to worry if they believed the Word. First Peter 5:7 (AMPC) says, "Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully."

Now that we are empty nesters, we also take two-day mini-vacations when we need to get away from the busyness of life. Often people take time off, but they never disconnect from their computer, cell phone, and emails. I encourage you to do what I call "detoxing from media." It is amazing what it will do for your soul.

Jesus recognized the importance of getting away to rest. Mark 6:30–31 (NLT) says, "The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. Then Jesus said, 'Let's go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.' He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn't even have time to eat."

The most important thing you can do is build yourself up in the Word of God. My husband and I go to the scripture for whatever we need. We believe God will perform what He promised. If we need wisdom, we look to James 1:5 (NLT), "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking." As we place our trust in the Heavenly Father, He always comes through with the wisdom we need.

When our bodies grow weary, we call on Romans 8:11, "But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you."

Certainly, we cannot consistently abuse our bodies by not getting rest. However, when our schedule does not permit us to get the proper amount of sleep, we call on the Father to quicken our bodies. He has never failed us. I trust these tips will help you navigate your busy schedule successfully.

* "Leave It There" by Charles A. Tindley, ca. 1906. Public Domain.

"The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."
—Isaiah 58:11 (NIV)