Life's Roller Coaster

I've gotta be honest with you guys, I've been a bit stressed out lately.
I feel bad even saying that, because I know of people who are balancing far more than I am and rarely complain, but it feels as if my life has gone from 0 to 100 overnight, and it's been a bit overwhelming lately. 

Suddenly, I'm an upperclassman, and school is kind of make or break now.

Suddenly, I have to start looking at colleges and careers, and look into taking the dreaded ACT.

Suddenly, I'm working at getting my first job.

Suddenly, I'm playing a lead with really LONG lines to memorize, and a LOT riding on; and I could go on and on. 

Balancing is hard. I want to devote everything I've got to each task individually, but sometimes I just stop and wonder if I have anything left to devote. 
My days are turning long, my nights are turning short.
My schedule's getting crazy, and it honestly feels like I'm at the top of the big drop on a roller coaster; I'm about to get thrown about and tossed around, and there's absolutely no turning back anymore.

Sound dramatic? Okay, yeah, maybe a little...
 But can you relate?

I know some of you adults reading are probably thinking, "*pfft* buckle up, kid, it gets worse."
And even some of you students reading are probably thinking, "You have it lucky, girl."
Again, I don't like sharing when I get overwhelmed, because I know so many amazing people who are balancing, or have balanced, everything that I have, times ten. 

Honestly, reminding myself of some of those people is what gives me the motivation to keep on pressing on sometimes. 

But however little my balancing act may be, it's still big to me; as I know yours is to you, and anyone else's is to them.
Life gets crazy, y'all.
And it's different for every one of us.
The Bible tells us we are to work wholeheartedly at whatever we do (Colossians 3:23), and that's just plan difficult more often than not.
HOWEVER! (and here it comes)... 

"With God, all things are possible." -Matthew 19:26

I've found that when I focus on MY life, and MY stress, and MY worries; life gets pretty rotten.
But when I focus on my purpose (bringing glory to God) rather than my position, and my Creator rather than myself... 
Lo and behold, I get everything done well, and with joy too.

So I challenge you today, as well as myself, to take a deep breath and ask God for ways to take the focus off of your tasks.
Maybe that'll mean praying for a friend, encouraging somebody, or even just reading an extra chapter in your Bible today; whatever it is for you, do it.
And also, my friend, remember this...

If anyone can do this (applying to whatever you're stressing about now), it's you.