Blog Writer, Bethany Walker

Matthew 11:28-30,
“Come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

I found myself at the alter weeping after a Sunday morning message in church.

The sermon was on Luke 10:38-41.   The story was about two women, one who was trying to do it all and the other was doing the complete opposite.  The busy woman, Martha, was trying to cook, clean, and give Jesus the best care and attention she possibly could.  The woman who chose to be still, Mary, was at the feet of Jesus taking in His every word.

Imagine the scene if you are Martha. Jesus has come to your home.  A meal needs to be prepared, dishes done,  and floors swept.  With each ingredient you add to the meal and with each dish you get from the pantry you clang louder, showing your rising displeasure.  Your sister, normally jumping right in to help carry the load is on this particular day missing.

Your frustration peaks and you drop something in disgust. Where is Mary?

And there she is sitting at Jesus’ feet.

“Are you kidding me?!” you say to yourself.

Something tells me the hostess glow had left Martha’s face.

But then Jesus calmly says, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things.  But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which can not be  taken away from her.” (v42)

In that moment Jesus was opening Martha’s eyes to see that the busy work is not what matters in life: spending time with the Lord and listening to Him is the “good part”.

There are things in life we have to do. But at the same time, we must be careful not to get so busy that we lose sight of what is important.

And that is why I found myself in tears that Sunday morning.   I was so worn out – my calendar so full that I had been neglecting what was really important – time with Jesus.

If you are worn out or if your calendar has become cluttered, try these simple steps:

1. Take time to rest.
2. Be still.
3. Pray, “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.”
4. Listen to what God is asking you to prune or reschedule.
5. Pull out your to-do list and calendar and adjust based on what you have heard.

Pruning our schedules is not always easy. You may even disappoint people. But if the Lord is asking you to prune, He will be faithful to bless your obedience.

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October 19-20th | Marriott RTP | Grades 4th – 7th

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