“But Martha was distracted…And Jesus answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed and Mary has chosen that good part…” Luke 10:40—42
Sometimes I remind myself of a juggler trying to keep all the balls in the air.
I’m not saying all the things I do aren’t worthy activities. They are, just as Martha’s activities were, but I’m convinced the greatest enemies of God’s best for my life are the good things I’m involved in.
Just like Martha, I get so busy I lose sight of what’s most important. I mean, with Martha, JESUS was in the house, and what is she doing?
Cleaning, cooking, fretting. You say, well someone had to cook the meal. Really? You think Jesus couldn't take a couple of fish and pieces of bread and everyone have a wonderful meal.
I want to be like Mary, sitting at Jesus’ feet. I want to camp out in His presence and feel His love, doing that best thing He has planned for me—writing the story He’s given me. I want to be into being instead of always doing. And the only way to do that is to STOP:
Sit quietly in His presence…
Take time to listen to Him…
Open my ears instead of my mouth…
Pray for His guidance and seek His best for my life…
…AGAIN.
You see, I’ve been here before. Burned out and frazzled because I took on one more thing…
“Can you…?”
“Sure, no problem.”
And each good thing I agreed to do chips away at my quiet time as well as my writing time. I need to take a deep breath and remind myself that He’s given me a task to complete, and I can’t finish it if I don’t choose that best part.
How about you? Have you been here? Leave me a comment and tell me about it.
One thing before I go... Harlequin is test marketing the line I write for--Heartwarming, and putting them in Walmart Stores. If readers buy them they will be available all the time. Heartwarming titles are clean, sweet romances, so pick up one of this month's offerings! And they are 35% off!
Sit quietly in His presence…
ReplyDeleteTake time to listen to Him…
Open my ears instead of my mouth…
Pray for His guidance and seek His best for my life…
Love this! It's so true. I decided to start the day with reading the Bible and praying. It is a much less stressful start to the day! Yay for Walmart! Next time I'm in I'll pick one or two up!
Thanks, Sally! Yes. I find that when I start my day off with prayer and Bible reading everything falls into place...and even the hard things are easier. :-)
ReplyDeleteI like your STOP acronym. And now that the animals are fed (and so am I), I'm heading to the couch with my Bible before getting any further into the day.
ReplyDeleteGreat, Johnnie!
ReplyDeleteThis post came to my inbox at the perfect time, Patricia. I've been feeling unusually tried lately and now I know why. I haven't stopped since March of last year. Although I prayer every morning before my feet hit the floor, trying to keep up with everything during the day, steals my focus away from God. Thank you so much for this.
ReplyDeleteI know how that can happen, Jill.
DeleteGreat post! Thank you, Patricia.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Tamara.
DeleteGreat post, Patricia! It's funny because this is along the lines of what our pastor talked about at church this past Sunday. I've been trying to be more disciplined to take time each day to step outside my To Do list and spend time in prayer and Bible reading, even for a few minutes.
ReplyDeleteI find on the days I don't do that, chaos reigns. :-) Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteWow, great post. I can SO relate! I am learning though....with God's help.
ReplyDeleteMe, too, Debbie, me, too.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I am definitely a "Martha" type - doing, doing, doing - I think if I just work hard enough, fast enough, long enough - - - when God is saying "enough is enough" - - Ok Lord, but do you see that my Christmas tree is still up - do you want me to be known as the Village Idiot?? Ok Lord - I get it - I'll stop Lord and read my Bible by the twinkling of Christmas lights and enjoy my tree a little longer. Who knows - if I wait a little longer I can just add some red hearts to it and have a Merry Valentine's Day!! LOL
ReplyDelete