The One Thing That Brings Rest
Another day goes by in a blur. It ends with a to-do list that refuses to grow shorter.
Doctor appointments to be made and attended.
Bills to pay, and accounts to be balanced.
A house to be cleaned.
Clothes to be washed.
Food to be made.
Exercise to be done.
Photo by katerha via Flickr
Then there’s writing, editing, organizing, and preparing.
Some days I wonder, What is it all about? Why do I keep on keeping on?
I prioritize, strategize, and compromise.
I juggle and rearrange … and then do it all over again. Yet the to-dos remain—and I bet always will.
Because how am I to get through my list when it grows longer as the days get shorter (aren’t they?)?
I buck at the constant bombardment, but much is good. And what isn’t, I can’t do away with. On off days, I rail at the unfairness of the never-ending.
Let Jesus Be Our Rest
But although the whirlwind of life refuses to calm, my soul can. Because there is really only one thing to wonder…
Am I doing His will? Am I resting in His plan for me? Is He forefront? Is He my all in all? Am I listening to His still voice?
If so, then I can end each day well. I can rest satisfied.
And I can let the rest take care of itself.
“The Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.’ ” (Luke 10:41-42)
Reflections: What one thing are you doing to rest in Him? I’d love for you to share it in the comments below.
By His grace ≈ Julie
Linking with Lisa-Jo where a group of us write uninhibited for 5 minutes (or a few more) on a given topic. It is a wonderful exercise in letting the words flow. Click the button to check out more posts or consider linking up yourself. Today’s topic is “Rest.”
Rest is one of those fabulous words that have many meanings. Do you have a thought about “rest” just itching to get out? Why not join us at Lisa-Jo’s. And if you do scratch out a piece for 5 Minute Friday, go ahead and link it up in my comments as well.
Find hope in your real-life struggles. We'll chase it together! I am a wife; mom of 4 (including a young adult daughter with special needs); miscarriage mom of 5; author & follower of Jesus Christ. I write, edit, speak and enjoy everything outdoors.
The story of Mary and Martha was my niece’s favorite story for several months. She would come to me and ask for it in her 4 year old voice… then stop me before Jesus spoke. “This is my favorite part,” she would say, “when Jesus says, ‘Martha, Martha’.” Then she would finish the story and end with, “He just wants us to be with Him.”
Sometimes I hear her voice in my head, her eyes all sad and expressive, “Martha, Martha…” and I think– this is His way of speaking to me still. Of calling me to rest in Him alone.
Sweet, Natasha. Your niece was wiser than most of us. I need to listen more often for His voice calling, “Martha, Martha …”
My spiritual director keeps reminding me to just ‘be’ and to not worry so much about doing. This is good advice.
Great advice, but so not easy!