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Quit Being Busy


It's the most eventful time of the year! Don't get me wrong, I love this season. Being with family and friends is always special. Family traditions are carried out each year and give me a sense of security in this crazy world. And, most of all, we celebrate the birth of redemption for humanity. Jesus Christ, God with us, came to earth and died so that we may live eternally with Him. What a gift! Even so, I find myself scrambling among the frenzy of Christmas performances, parties, shopping, wrapping, baking, and getting lost in all of the busy-ness of the season. 

This weekend, for example, I have attended a Christmas performance, gone shopping for Christmas, wrapped presents, and tonight realized I had forgotten to pick up some meats that I am helping prepare for my son's high school Christmas festival tomorrow night. Needless to say, the day, and the busy-ness, has been a little tiring. As I was driving into town this evening to retrieve the items for tomorrow, I remembered a phrase that God spoke into me several weeks ago. When He speaks, sometimes I'm not what the full message is, but I make a note and wait. Tonight I was reminded:

"Quit being busy." 

Seems so simple, right? Just quit. Stop. Say no. Don't obligate yourself to anything else. For me, that's easier said than done. I would venture to say that many people struggle with this at Christmas time. The wonder of the season is lost in an endless to-do list with activities to culminate the year and celebrate Christmas. And in our rush to celebrate, we wind up exhausted and sometimes frustrated that our expectations of the holiday season do not match our reality.

As I was rushing into town tonight to prepare for another event, I also thought about some of Jesus' closest friends, Martha and Mary. They lived in a town called Bethany, and the Messiah frequently was a guest at their dinner table. On one such occasion, the sisters were doing completely different things. Martha was rushing around, preparing food, cleaning up for guests, and working tirelessly to make everything "perfect" for the Master. Mary sat as His feet while He taught. Martha becomes so frustrated with Mary's lack of help that she asks Jesus to intervene and basically tell Mary to quit being so lazy. Instead, Jesus told Martha that she needed to quit being so busy.

But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10: 41-42)

Martha was so concerned with the work to be done that she forgot about the wonder of the One who had entered her home. Her intentions were noble. She wanted to make sure everything was in order for the honored guest and the people who would enter her home. Just as we want to make sure everything is good, Martha got lost in the busy-ness of the moment. And Jesus, in His gentle way, redirected her priorities. 

So, as I write this blog a little later than usual, I am reminded again to pause. I can feel Holy Spirit nudging me to remember the One who loves me and you so much He became human to save us. Make sure you are giving yourself some breathing room this holiday season. Quit being busy long enough to turn off your mental to-do list and think about the reason we celebrate. Remind yourself of the miracle of the manger. Keep yourself in a posture of praise. Each day, take a minute to relish the wonder of the season.

Prayer for busy days:

God, I want to pause in this moment and thank you for the full life You have given me. Help me, especially during busy times, to remember that all good things come from You. Thank You for what Christmas means. Thank You for keeping Your promise of redemption through the life of Jesus. When I am overwhelmed with schedules and to-do lists, calm my heart and give me peace. Thank You, Jesus, for coming to us when we couldn't reach You. You are the only thing worth being concerned about. I praise You, Lord for the gift of redemption. Amen.

© Jill Cook and Unbroken & Undone Ministries.  All rights reserved.

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