Are you in over your head? Over committed? Do you say, “Yes” when your gut tells you, “NO”? Do you take on more than is humanly possible because – you’re the person that everyone seems to rely on? Do you fall asleep prioritizing your to-do list instead of praising God for the day? No, this isn’t a commercial for sleep aides; it’s an aide for getting sleep.

Too often I respond too quickly instead of following my instincts and then wonder, “What on earth was I thinking?” I already have X, Y, and Z to do and someone throws me Q. Now I’m stressed, and the person who asked me to fill in is sleeping peacefully and I’m wide-awake. They knew they could count on me. They knew I would say, “yes.” I live in a Martha world even though I long to be a Mary.

The world doesn’t stop because I’m too busy. On the contrary, it seems to spin faster. As I watch the stores decorate for Christmas, I must take time to think through what is truly important. What are the things I can do to glorify God? What would Jesus want me to do? What is the Holy Spirit guiding me to? What brings me joy? What prevents me from falling asleep in Jesus arms? What prevents me from resting at His feet?

When you figure out the answers to those questions, chances are you will find it easier to say, “No, not this time.” We aren’t meant to be exhausted; we need to be energized for Christ.

Written by Brenda Bates – November 2006

Prayer to the Father:
Father, I did it again!

I wanted to talk to You but was distracted by the buzzer of the clothes dryer. I wanted to take time in devotions but a friend called me on the phone. I wanted to pause to listen to You but was distracted when the door bell rang. I can’t seem to find the time I need to talk with You. I find it so easy to jump in to help others, but I always need Your help to find my way out. I call on You when I know I can’t handle things on my own. I know laundry had to be done…my husband is leaving on a business trip. I know my friend needed someone to talk to; she’s going through some difficult times. And the person at the door needs me to collect their mail while they’re away on vacation.

Wait…was it You Lord? Were You giving me opportunities to be Mary and I missed them? Were you sending them for me to serve? Lord, help me know the difference. Help me to see those who sincerely need me versus those who want to strip away my joy. Help me to notice You while serving others. Help me to know when to say, “yes” and when to say, “no”. Help me Lord to see You in all I do. Help me to serve others so that they see more of You and less of me. Thank You for this day, the chance to share You with others through this ministry. Thank You Lord for Jesus – His birth, life, death, and resurrection. Thank You for loving me and speaking to me through others. Thank You for surrounding me with others, because there are so many people who are alone. Please let them know that You are a mighty God and capable of not only loving them, but comforting them as well. May all this be so…in Jesus name I pray. Amen

Scripture:
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