What are your priorities?
This time last year, many of us were watching in disbelief as our calendar emptied. Although my life didn’t have the usual cadence, I still managed to fill life to the point of busyness.
Now, on top of a full schedule, my calendar is populating again with in-person invitations.
Luke 10 tells the story of Mary and Martha opening up their home to Jesus. Martha is described as "worried and upset about many things" while preparing for Jesus' visit (Luke 10:41), while Mary is described as sitting at the feet of Jesus.
Busy does not equal bad
Jesus corrects Martha’s priorities, saying "Mary has chosen what is better." I used to hear that story and think I should be more like Mary.
Recently, I contrasted that thought with some of the verses I see describing a wife of noble character in Proverbs 31.
- She worked with eager hands (verse 13)
- She provides food for her family (verse 15)
- Her arms are strong for tasks (verse 17)
- Her arms are open to the poor (verse 20)
- She doesn't eat the bread of idleness (verse 27)
Our culture tells us a compelling lie: You can do it all. You just have to balance it. The definition of balance is an even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady.
Life should be more than balancing
If you gave everything in your life the same distribution of energy, would that keep you upright? Is God's intention for us to simply remain upright? John 10:10 tells us: "A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance."
I challenge you, in the season of adding things back, to connect with God in the decisions about how you spend your time and energy. It's not about choosing whether you will be a Mary or a Martha; it’s a daily decision to align yourself with the priorities of our creator.
He promises us that when we ask for wisdom, he will give it. Have you asked?
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach and it will be given to him.” – James 1:5
Written by Lindsay Miller, director of volunteer engagement at Buckner International.
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