Luke 10:38-42
"Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha
welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the
Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much
serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister
has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered
her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one
thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken
away from her.”
How many of us live our lives as Martha? Rushing to and fro hoping to bestow our great generosity on all we meet? Then, wondering why some take our hand outs with a grain of salt making us feel unappreciated and unworthy of instilling our great pearls of wisdom at their feet. After all, who knows best for them? Because - we've "been there done that".
Are you too busy? Always offering to lend a helping hand? Filling your plate with too many activities that drain you? Truthfully, you can't be to blame. Most of us have been instilled with the words of our parents that idleness is a sign of laziness and laziness is just short of a sin. Before you knew it, you were flitting around like a busy bee doing a little bit of this and a little bit of that throughout your days finding yourself exhausted by night time. These self-imposed duties ultimately lead to mental, physical, and spiritual exhaustion.
And we know that research states relaxation is the best way to conserve energy. In fact, it can add years to your life. This self-assessed conservation requires a willingness to be still and run the risk of being lazy. I'm not stating to just be physically still, but you must extend it to your mental and emotional well-being as well. After all, these extra handouts we extend to others often fall on deaf ears anyway. Most people we encounter are resistant to hearing our wisdom deeming is a waste of their valuable resources.
Conservation begins with honoring yourself by spending time with you alone, away from everyone else. You don't always have to have to be doing something. It is ok to sit still, listen, and enjoy what is before you. When you must engage in strenuous activities of the mind or body, move at a pace that is more comfortable to you. Don't rush. Don't compete. Spend your time in a state of mental, emotional, and spiritual relaxation. Let go, and let be. Everything will be completed in the time that's needed.
Look at Martha in the above passage. She was so inundated with what was expected, that she failed to perceive what was actually asked. Jesus wanted her to sit, listen, and enjoy his company. How often do we miss this boat in life? Life wants you to be around for awhile, in good shape, to enjoy God's blessings. You are in no shape to enjoy life when you are haggard or broken down. Learning to relax conserves your natural energies and is the best gift you can offer yourself.
Daily Guidance
1. Pray, "Be silent all flesh before the Lord" each waking minute of the day when anxiety hits.
2. Pray, "All I do is to give glory in your name."
3. Pray, "Teach me to give in ways that give honor and glory in your name."
4. Pray, "Teach me to CONSERVE my Self, my gifts, my resources, so that I am able to do your work only."
5. Most importantly, attend social gatherings with friends to encourage self-happiness. When we only attend to the needs of others, we cause depression, and unhappiness within ourselves.