When your plate seems way too full

Some weeks feel especially packed. This past one certainly did for me. Yet in the middle of it, I stumbled upon a new way to sort through the “delicacies” on my overflowing plate.

First, the week itself. My schedule for spiritual direction was unusually heavy—several rescheduled sessions all landed at once. I was also preparing two Lenten days of reflection, each requiring prayerful attention. At home, two contractors were working simultaneously: one installing skylights, the other partitioning a bedroom and improving the entryway. And of course, Lent brings its own responsibilities as a deacon: OCIA, preaching, pastoral support.

At one point, feeling worn thin, I caught myself wondering: Am I doing too much?

My prayer became hurried and distracted. Even the good, meaningful things began to feel heavy and impersonal. God slowly drifted to the background while I tried to manage everything on my own strength.

Then I came across a handout from a retreat led by Fr. Keith Romke of the Diocese of Rockford. It described two very different ways of responding to a full plate: living to meet expectations or living to answer God’s invitation (see table below).

The contrast was striking. Through that lens, I felt freedom instead of pressure. The work shifted from proving something to offering loving service. It became less about completing everything perfectly and more about entering each moment faithfully. Not “having to do,” but “getting to do.” The emphasis moved from my project to God’s project.

Nothing in my schedule changed.
The retreats were still on the calendar.
The spiritual direction sessions were still full.
The contractors were still in the house.
Lent still carried its pastoral demands.

But the question changed.

Instead of asking, How will I accomplish all of this?, the better question became, Where is God inviting me right now?

That shift brought a surprising peace. I didn’t need to conquer the week. I simply needed to take the next step with the Lord.

This framework also offers a helpful tool for discernment. I’m often asked to take on new responsibilities. It’s easy to say “yes” and regret it later. Before committing, I can bring it to prayer: “Lord, is this Your invitation, or am I trying to meet expectations?”

If I’m unsure, the comparison below helps clarify.

How are you approaching the delicacies on your plate?