TIME

Last night during our small group study, Jenn pointed out that I had not posted for almost a month. Hmm I thought, thanks Jenn, one more task on my "to do" list. Just as Martha did in the Bible, I am busy with all I have to do – a 10-hour a day job, tutor for grandson’s summer high school courses, writing projects (like this blog), packing for vacation, unpacking from vacation, laundry, cooking, cleaning (well not so much of that), planning for our Mission trip, watching TV (oh yes, a secret vice). It's a real challenge to squeeze in time for prayer and here Jenn is chastising me about Blog updates. Good grief give me a break!

Then this morning the thought occurred to me I have all the time there is --each of us does. We have 24 hours in every day to do with as we will. Granted some hours we cannot control: work, dinner on the table for families, life commitments. Even with the hours out of our control, we are left with a good number of hours we can control.

I read somewhere that one of the greatest lies to women today is that if you're not busy – if you are not constantly juggling 10 things at once, keeping up with the Joneses, or making some measure of progress – you are a failure. And, for the Christian woman, this is compounded by the pressure to be a "super Christian" We feel we must volunteer for all events, enroll in all Bible studies offered for women, keep up with the latest Christian issues. If you think I’m off base just take a look at the books offered - Devotions on the Run, No time for Quiet Time, (I have both) or 10-Minute Time Outs for Busy Women and there are hundreds more -- STOP!

We all know the answer, it's right there for us in God's word so we need to learn to say no, become a better steward of our time, stop trying to live up to expectations of the world, ask for help when you need it, and the more importantly, listen to what God wants for you.

And let's strive to be more like Mary not Martha.

"As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the lord's feet listening to what he said. 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!' 'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.'" Luke 10: 38-42


PS Jenn thanks for the accountability I know that writing brings me closer to God so it is what He wants me to do.