38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:38-42
It’s so easy to rush out of bed and start the day. The dishes, the clothes... everything seems to call the minute you arise from the night's sleep.
Mary understood the importance of sitting at the feet of Christ to gain wisdom and knowledge. Even the Proverbs 31 woman began her day from a place of rest and fellowship with the Lord. This intimate, opportune time of peace and fellowship provides just the right of filling needed in order to pour out to others without feeling drained by mid-day. This is where our purpose is fueled. Remember the Lord gives us energy to fulfill His purpose…. not us!
“for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”
Philippians 2:13
Although Martha’s intentions were good they weren’t THE priority at the moment. As womanhood demands the wearing of multiple hats, in order to truly be efficient we must prioritize. Exhaustion and burnout may not necessarily be due to the multiple hats being worn but the lack of priority associated with each day. What may be a priority today may have to take a backseat tomorrow.
The only sure way to know the priorities of the day are to sit with Jesus for He is the one who gives us the strategy and plan to tackle each day. Not every pull or demand is a priority however we only can decipher properly by sitting with Jesus.
What does this actually look like?
1. Prioritize your day around your devotion and time with the Lord. Due to recent changes in family and work schedule, your former quiet time may not be the ideal time anymore. The key to remember is that no matter what time it is, God wants to spend it with you!
2. Create a household system that actually gets things done! This may mean washing, drying and folding one load of laundry per day or running the dishwasher and putting the dishes up nightly so in the morning dirty dishes can go directly into the dishwasher instead of piling up in the sink. The key is to consistently create and maintain a system that works for the entire home. Your sanity will thank you!
3. Some titles and hats may have to go. Yes, you may want to be the Room Mom and Soccer Snack Volunteer… but if it’s not a priority in this season, let it go! Be receptive of the commitments the Lord may highlight that need to go!
Chrystal
