You are not the only one who feels overwhelmed with life. I'm afraid most Americans experience what you have described. Life is busy and we all feel under pressure.

Without knowing more about you, it would be hard for me to go into too much detail, but let me say a few things:

1) A favorite verse of mine is Matthew 11:28, where Jesus says: Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meet and lowly in heart and you will find rest to your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Quite a promise, isn't it? What does it really mean? - The Lord does not want us to be over burdened. This is one reason why He has given us one day in seven to rest - not as a suggestion, but as a command! - He gives us a condition: that we come to Him; that we take His yoke upon us.

2) Sarah, I would encourage you to get away for a day somewhere - just you alone. Take your Bible and a notebook and your schedule. Spend some time in worship, read a Psalm or two, ask the Lord to guide you in what you should read. Take some time to really meditate on the verse I have just quoted. Memorize it. Journal what the Lord says to you through it. Put it before the Lord as a promise He gives you. Just pour out your heart before Him. Tell Him all your thoughts, frustrations, worries. Ask Him to speak to you. Tell Him that you love Him and listen to His love for you.

3) Review your schedule. Is everything there necessary? Are you using your time well? How could you lighten up your life? Ask the Lord to give you wisdom.

4) As for caring about people. Well, as you open your life up more and more to Jesus, you'll discover that He is the One who will give you deep love for people. He lives in you; and He loves people through you.

So, you see, Sarah, the key thing is not to begin with a harried life. the place to begin is with your relationship with Jesus. I'm pretty sure you'll leave that time with a greater sense of peace than you have known for some time. Then make your time with Him each day THE priority. Everything else will then take its place.

Let me know how you make out.

Blessings on you, Sarah.

Jack