Is it just me or is it getting a little dusty up in here?! Wow, I just checked and the last time I actually wrote an actual post was almost 2 months ago… holy smokes, #fail! I just wanted to stop in and say a huge thank you to those of you who have touched base with me via email, Twitter, Facebook, etc. just to let me know you’re thinking about me and praying for me. I’m so thankful for you guys, and for not forgetting I exist, even though my blogs and online presence has ceased to exist over the last few months.
Just when I felt like I was finally getting comfortable writing regularly, life came and knocked me on my butt. It started back in March when Spring arrived in the South and seasonal allergies kicked me around for several weeks. Spring in the South is always bad, but this has been one of the worst years I can remember – even people who don’t typically have issues with allergies are having a hard time this year. But it seems like it’s starting to die down, now that summer’s just around the corner.
Other than that, work has been off the chain! My full-time job is typically a 50/50 split between graphic design and application support, but several weeks ago I was tasked with coming up with a new user interface for all of our custom applications and developing a graphics standard, etc. It’s been a huge project, but a lot of fun. It’s definitely been a learning experience and has stretched me beyond what I thought I was capable of. There’s still a lot to be done and a lot to learn, but I’m finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Over the last two months, I’ve learned a lot about myself – mainly, that I suck at multitasking and maintaining a proper balance between God, my family, church and work when life gets overly busy. It’s easy to talk about priorities (as I have done many times in the past)… it’s another thing to maintain a proper balance myself. When busyness comes, when life bears down hard, I tend to put my headphones on, tune everyone and everything out and just plow through it, instead of taking time to maintain a balance that will prevent me from falling apart in other areas of my life. I need so much help in this area.
My one word for 2011 is “consistency” – and I’m not going to lie, I’ve failed miserably at being consistent in many areas of my life the last few months. I pray that God would help me to right the ship over the next few weeks and get back to putting Him first place, above all else. And while the blog posts may still be a little sporadic for awhile, I realize that writing and connecting with you guys through your blogs or via Twitter or email is one of the things that actually helps me maintain that proper balance. You’re probably used to hearing the opposite — and while social media/blogging can certainly lend itself to the noise, it’s also the best way I know to connect with fellow believers and be inspired and motivated to keep running the race.
So I’m looking forward to getting back in the swing of things, getting back to my ‘Choosing to See‘ study and reconnecting with you all very soon. Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers – you guys are the best!
Take it from one who struggles i.e. cannot do it, at multi-tasking. It stinks. It takes work. I am an epic fail at it. So, join the club. Love hearing from you Nathan.
Thank you for the encouragement, Bill. I appreciate you.
Welcome back. Good to hear from you again and looking forward to your posts.
Thanks John!
Bro! Good to see you’re still alive. Can totally relate with the consistency thing. I’ve been failing in that area, but we just got to pull through it, right?! God’s got it.
Glad to hear that you’re allergies have tamed down. It’s funny…over here, it seem like they just begun. My allergies have been absolutely horrible this past 2 weeks; it’s definitely one of the worst years.
Praying for you, bro!
Thanks for your prayer, Jon. And you’re so right, it’s a fight and a never ending battle… but one worth fighting for.
This is also something that I struggle with Nathan. Starting today actually I am learning how to adopt a “ideal weekly schedule” I was reading some of Michael Hyatt’s blogs and saw that this is something that he uses to maintain balance.
I’ll be blogging about it in the next few days or so. Stay tuned for that! As far as my current balancing act goes, well summer is here. That means I don’t HAVE to be consistant, on a schedule, etc. Thing is, my hardest semester ever is coming up this fall. It’s my last of my college career. I NEED to be consistant this summer and live on a schedule so that this fall i’m not left on my butt, like you mentioned.
Nathan. It’s great to be able to connect with people who are going through the same things you are. Thanks for the blog. May God continue to work in your life just as he is working so faithfully in my own. Have a wonderful Tuesday evening!
Thank you Brian – look forward to reading those posts! Enjoy your summer bro, any big plans, vacations, etc?
Well, i’m headed to YouVersion country at the end of July. I’m going to be meeting some of the support team members that i’ve been working with. Really lookin’ forward to that. I’m sure there will be a few blog posts about that as well. Good to hear from you. We should grad that lunch sometime this fall. Let’s do it!
Good to see an update here Nathan!
Its quite hard sometimes to keep up with everything… Multitasking is also not my strong point. Seems like you have been very busy with other things such as work!
Looking forward to seeing more articles from you very soon!
Welcome back
(or at least semi-back)…
At this time I only have 2 words for you…Allergies suck!
This is a crazy busy time of year for me too, so things have slowed a little on the blogging front (I am a decent multitakser…but I HATE stress, and I end up just feeling stressed 90% of the time if I have too many things going on)
I just keep reminding myself that Summer is nearly here, and then things will slow down…a little.
Enjoy the rest of your week, Nathan
I’m the same exact way. I like being “busy” to an extent, but I know I get tunnel vision and let everything else go to pot. I am definitely looking forward to a vacation… just need to get to the end of July!
Hey man so glad to see you update here. I’m notnthe best multitasked either. It’s with all or nothing for me and it’s something I’m trying to get better at.
Glad to hear you have being stretched at work. That can be good if it’s something you like doing. Hopefully we. Can catch up soon man!
Dude, we’re too much alike… well, except that you can run 10 miles and have better hair than me. Yep, let’s catch up soon!
Welcome back, Nathan!
Glad to have ya back!
Thanks Brandon!
Nathan,
Welcome back. I can totally identify with the title of your post. Thanks for sharing.
Look forward to catching up with you Sean. Looks like you’ve been pretty busy yourself!
ALL THESE COMMENTERS.
ME.
GOD.
We’re all on the same page. Thanks for being honest, and I’m here if you need some help…
Ask me how I do it. And I’ll tell you I don’t. I’m suck at consistency also.
That’s why we can probably help each other.
Thanks Duane, I appreciate that man.
Nice new pic by the way!
Good to have you back man. I was just worried that something happened to you. But I’m glad is life that has kept you busy. Love you bro and thanks for reaching out and coming back.
Thanks Moe, missed you while I was away. It’s good to be back!
Glad to see you back, Nathan! Balance is key, for sure. I’ve learned a lot about that recently as well… trying to be more productive with less time.
Yeah, you have a new little one in the house – you are excused!
Nathan! I am so glad you are back! I am sorry it took me this long to respond to this post. lol.
I am glad to hear you are being pushed at work. My prayer is that your home life is not effected. I assume your disappearance from the internet is a direct response to your appearance at work (cuz you’re an awesome husband and dad).
Thanks Alex! Yeah, with work being like it’s been the last few months, my presence online was the first thing to go – but it’s good to be back, even though it’s going to take awhile to get back in the swing of things. I’m am rusty!
And thanks for the kind words, really appreciate that. Hope you’re doing well and enjoying married life!