Last week I confessed my difficulties with the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10. Thank you for listening to that confession. I think it has been healing for me, as I continue to be reminded of my desire to be more like Mary, sitting at Jesus’ feet. 

Several times this past week, I’ve sensed a need to think about what I wrote last week and examine my own life. After a busy week and extra activity on Saturday, I came home to crash. Only I was too tired to sleep. I watched a movie and went to bed. Sunday I woke up, went for a walk, started my laundry, watched church online, and went to meet some friends for lunch. I was feeling less tired than I expected, but as soon as the group started to gather, it hit me. I was done.

After lunch I came home and crashed, taking a long nap. Most of this week I’ve been working to recover. I’ve not felt well physically so that hasn’t helped, but through it I’m reminded of the need to be more like Mary. I’m also seeing some other things about my personality, which make me need to slow down. Others may need to be spurred on to do something. I need to be reminded to focus and slow down.

So what am I learning in this process about slowing down?

1.    I can’t do all that is on my heart. I am just one person and there are limits to what I can do in an hour, day, week, or month. I need to focus to avoid burning myself, and others, out. The things on my heart will come to pass as I follow Him and build a team to make it happen.

2.    Things take time, more time than I’d like. Life isn’t a drive-through, and coordinating schedules, getting things in place, and even seeing changes in myself, or others, don’t happen without time, persistence, and patience. I need to be gracious with myself and others in this process. 

3.    When I am feeling overwhelmed, it is often because I’m trying to do too much and have not given myself the time needed to process, think, and plan. Part of my day and week needs to have space for this time. It will make life better for all of us. 

I’m still thinking about Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet and how she chose the better thing, the thing that could not be taken away from her. I’m remembering to be still and know that He is God. I’m slowing down to abide in the vine and just be the branch while looking to Him in all things.

What about you? Is life to busy and filled with noise? How do you know? What do you do to slow down?