I have finally admitted something to myself.
I will always be busy and will never have a slow time.
Not just because the demands of life make me busy, I want to be busy.
Even if I could finish everything on my list I will just make another one, or two or three.
I cannot sit still.
I do not want to sit still.
I love to do things with and for my family, friends and other people.
Having a husband and six kids, homeschooling, exercising hospitality, attending Bible study, writing, nesting, crafting, organizing….
I love it all.
When the list gets too overwhelming, I don’t even write it down, or try to hold myself to a schedule.
I conquer the daily immediate demands, then chisel at the extra stuff, one thing
at a time.
Just one thing.
When I walk down the hall, I grab one thing that needs to be put away in a bedroom.
If I have to go to the laundry room I take one thing from the railing that needs to be put away downstairs.
When I sit down at my desk, I’ll go through a pile of papers, and deal with just one thing.
If Beka is busy with school, I quickly mend or sew one thing.
If I can narrow my focus to one thing, that thing will get done.
I can accomplish so much, one thing at a time.
You know who invented conquering the world one thing at a time?
It wasn’t Martha.
It was Mary.
I can imagine Martha scratching lists onto scrolls, of all that had to be done because the Lord was going to dine at her home.
When I read the Lord’s gentle rebuke in Luke 10 I always cringe.
I really, really, really wanna be Mary, but Martha is my twin separated at birth.
Mary did one thing.
The only thing that really matters in a home.
Luke 10:39
“Mary… sat at Jesus’feet
and heard His word.”
The Lord told Martha about the one thing that needed to be done.
Luke 10: 42“But one thing is needed,and Mary has chosen that good part,which will not be taken away from her.”
I’m starting another busy week, with a lot on my list, but only one thing that really needs to be done.
jwinzer says
When I read "Martha is my twin separated at birth" I cried. But Mindy, it wasn't twins — it was triplets!
The Queen of Brussels Sprouts says
I am really trying to make an effort to remember that one thing more!
Freedomtrain Ministries says
I once read a book called the One Minute Manager that helped me wiith things on my list. Truthfully, I am more of a Mary than Martha in my latter years. I love to cuddle up with God, moment by moment.
Cookie baker Lynn says
I had to laugh – "scratching lists on parchment." Oh, yeah, that's me! Great reminder, as I, too, am so easily overwhelmed by the avalanche of stuff that needs to be done each and every day.
Ruby says
Beautifully put, Mindy! have a great week.
LaVonne says
Thank you for sharing this. I needed this gentle reminder. Blessings!
nitalinb says
I really like this!
~ Tandis ~ says
I am easily overwhelmed when I make a list or when my house is a wreck. Thanks for this blog. 🙂
momstheword says
Beautiful reminder to make our quiet times with the Lord a priority!I am a believer in taking the "little" minutes and getting something done. Five minutes may not be much, but five minutes here and there add up to a half hour, an hour, a couple of hours, etc.Thanks for linking up to Making Your Home Sing Monday!
Bevy says
This is "one"derful. 🙂 Thanks for this reminder. I'm a HUGE list girl myself…and so desperately need this reminder to keep the main thing the main thing.Have a wonderful week.
Tracey says
What wonderful reminder on this Monday morning to concentrate on that which is the most needed!