What Do You Do When You Get Overwhelmed?

You won’t believe what’s become my favorite focus tool ever.

I don’t know about you, but the word “hustle” makes me tired. Strike that! The word “hustle” makes me want to gag. I don’t like that word one tiny bit. Hustle, hustle, hustle! Never stop, never quit, never slow down! Really? I want to hug my child, dance in the rain, kiss my man, lie down in green pastures, and drink from still waters. I want to be led, not driven!

It was on one of those “I hate hustle” days that I stumbled upon my best focus tool.

I was about to come undone—about to lose my mind, if you really want to know the truth. I couldn’t even think straight, let alone accomplish my ever-growing to-do list. I felt like one huge fat failure—nothing but a Michael Hyatt flunky (sorry Michael – it’s not you, it’s me)!

(I actually really love Michael Hyatt, BTW. Check out his new book Your Best Year Ever)

But on that day…if I heard the word “productivity” or “hustle” one more time – well I could make no promises – except that it was not going to be my best day ever… and

That’s when it came to me.

I needed a secret place. A prayer closet, a war room, some place—any place!— where I could slam the door, pour out all my fears and tears, and fall like a worn-out child into the arms of the One who loves me at my worst. But I didn’t have a war room. I barely had a closet! Our old home has the tiniest closets you’ve ever seen. Standing room only, and no Narnia on the other side (I’ve looked). The only place where I could slam the door and shut out all the noise was the bathroom!

And that is where my ritual of tub time prayers began.

The minute I hear the sound of the water rushing from the faucet, my soul grows quiet, and as soon as my foot touches the water, it’s like crossing the Jordan. Who knew that God loves bubble baths? Surrounded by the millions of tiny rainbows in the bubbles, I’ve found my quiet place. I’ve found my Focus.

It might sound silly, it might sound crazy, and it might even sound a little bit indulgent . . . but all I know is that it’s a great focus tool. When I can’t think straight . . . when it all just becomes a bit too overwhelming . . . when I need to settle down the mess inside of me . . . it’s tub time.

So, what do you do to find that place of quiet? The place where you can shut out all the noise, pour out all your frustration, and listen to that still small voice that can lead you to your best day ever?