Seasons of busyness can come upon us, causing us to feel stressed, overwhelmed, and tired. Though staying organized and working ahead can help, our emotions can scatter, and the tiredness may lead to a lack of love, kindness, and selfishness.

While I have been in a very busy season personally, my responsibilities at church have increased with two major events in one weekend. I am completely excited to take part in them, and although I have been organizing the details for weeks, I know the load will take a toll on me physically and mentally. I have been there before. In the past, I have done pretty well, but there have been plenty of moments when the crabbiness tends to surface. I am not serving through Jesus’ love, grace, and kindness.

As I started my week, I wanted to be intentional in praying for my attitude through the next few weeks. After I prayed, I began to review some of my verses. Verse upon verse brought delight to my heart, as God quickly sent me specific reminders.

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:9-10)

Do not get tired of responding well and being kind but treat everyone well, especially those who are working right alongside you.

“So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:17-19)

Through faith I know Jesus and am so loved by Him. As I know Him, I understand more of His love for me. He enables me to show that same love to others.

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” (Ephesians 4:1-7)

I am reminded to walk with humility, gentleness, be patient, love others and put them above myself. Be one that creates an atmosphere of love and peace. As God helps me to fulfill this type of walk, make sure the struggles I face are handled with the grace He provides.

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29)

Watch my words! It is so easy to grumble and complain when you are working with others and things do not go exactly as you would like. Be one that builds others up. Put them before me!

“Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:20)

Give thanks! Even with the challenges, always give thanks!

“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:1-11)

Again, put others above myself. Remember my example is Jesus, who took on the form of a servant and gave Himself for me. Serve others and look for ways to meet their needs.

I realize that not only is this for my time at the church but also during this season in my home. I do not have the right to do all of this around others and let things go at home with my family. Wherever I go, whatever I do, I need to create an atmosphere of love and grace showing Jesus, even when this busy season ends.

I know I am not alone in busyness. Are you in that season now? With the holidays coming, is it just around the corner? All the organization and preparation in the world cannot create an atmosphere of love and grace when the busy times hit. Only Jesus. Always take time each day to let His love flow through you, so His love can flow through you to those you meet. Make sure in your busy seasons that the atmosphere around you displays Jesus. You may find the stress and weariness stay away as you enjoy the season, your friends and family, and the presence of Jesus.