Remembering What Matters

PRIORITIES

Luke 10:38-40 – “Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, ‘Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.’”

There was a period, about a month ago, where I found myself praying and journaling about feeling overwhelmed by the weight of my responsibilities and my “to do” list. My brain constantly goes a mile a minute, mentally juggling all of the balls that I have in the air, trying to ensure that not even one of them drops. I put a lot of pressure on myself. I always have. It’s definitely an area of growth for me—acknowledging that the world WILL NOT END if I take a breath, take a break, and take care of myself for a moment. I’m trying hard these days to be intentional about finding balance; about shutting off my phone and laptop and spending time with the people and things that matter most to me.

I was reading the Word one morning, when I stumbled upon a nice little divine reminder of the importance of remembering what really matters. The story? Mary and Martha! I’m sure you know it well. Jesus drops by Mary and Martha’s house with a big crowd, and the two women are technically responsible for providing a meal for the group. While Martha gets right to work, fretting about all that needs to be done and worrying about getting everything just right (or so I imagine); Mary, her sister, leaves her to it and simply sits at Jesus’ feet to soak in as much peace and love and wisdom as she can. When Martha realizes that Mary has left her to do everything alone, she is furious and complains to Jesus that Mary needs to get up and get to work!

Jesus responds to her (and it felt at the time I read it, to me) by saying, “Martha, Martha…you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)

I’ve read this story so many times, but on that day, I was truly convicted. How often do we run around, frantic, because we have so much to do and so little time to do it. We believe that if we don’t carry the weight of it all ourselves, or take responsibility for the lion’s share of work, it won’t get done, and…well…the world will basically end (or at least that’s what we tell ourselves). We work ourselves to death sometimes trying to do it all…have it all…but in the end, we wind up neglecting what really matters—our relationships, our spirit, ourselves…

This scripture is a great reminder that although we may have a tendency to worry about the countless tasks, situations, responsibilities, and challenges in our lives, few of those things really matter in the grand scheme of things. Most of the time, the world really won’t end if we stop and take a moment to rest our minds and bodies, renew ourselves, revive our relationships, and reconnect with our Lord and Savior, who promises to give us peace, rest, and relief from our heavy burdens. (Matthew 11:28)

Shine Your Light!

Additional Scriptures

Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Photo Credits

Photo 1: https://online.jwu.edu/blog/how-make-your-priorities-priority

Photo 2: http://www.lifechurchbuffalo.com/podcast/2018/1/3/first-things-first

Photo 3: https://lutonmuslimjournal.com/heart/which-acts/attachment/priorities/

Photo 4: https://www.davidirvine.com/tyranny-urgency-many-priorities-means-nothing-priority/

The Balance Challenge!

BALANCE

Psalm 23:2-3a – “He makes me to lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul.”

Genesis 2:2-3 – “By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.  And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.”

Reflections: Life can get pretty hectic sometimes, and the myriad distractions of this world can keep us from properly caring for ourselves and the people around us. When we live each day moving from “to do” to “to do,” not taking a moment to rest and refresh, the stress of the day can wear on us, making us less productive, less efficient, and in many cases, less healthy (physically, emotionally, and spiritually). When we fail to take the time for self-care, our minds, bodies, and Spirits can suffer, along with our relationships with family, friends, colleagues, and most importantly, God.

The Bible speaks often about the importance of quiet, peace, and rest. Even God rested on the seventh day, and Mark shares that Jesus told the disciples to “Come away by yourselves to a lonely place and rest awhile” (Mark 6:31). It is in these quiet places, those spaces where we let go of distractions and welcome peace and stillness, that God is most likely to meet us and give us the rest and renewal that we so desperately need.

If you (like me) are guilty of neglecting your body and soul’s need for rest, join me today in The Balance Challenge! I challenge you to make a list of things that refresh and renew you—things that bring you joy, make you smile, or give you peace—and commit to engage in two things from that list EVERY DAY. You’ll be surprised how much more centered you feel and how better prepared you are to face the day ahead. You’ll also find that it slowly becomes easier to hear the Voice of God in the midst of all the chaos and noise that life can sometimes bring. Give it a try, and let me know how it goes! 🙂

“Do not let your to-do list (written or mental) become an idol directing your life.” ~Sarah Young, “Jesus Calling”

Also Read:

Luke 5:16 – “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.”

Shine Your Light!