I’m sure you’ve heard of the story of the sisters Mary and Martha. Jesus arrived in town and became their guest.
Martha scurried about cooking, cleaning, and serving while her sister didn’t lift a finger to help. Mary just sat there, at Jesus’ feet, hanging on His every word.
As time passed, Martha became frustrated at her sister’s apparent lack of concern She wasn’t making herself useful all. She took her frustration to Jesus and almost demanded he make her sister join in and help her.
The reaction Martha received from Jesus may not have been the one she expected to receive.
“And Jesus answered and said unto her, ‘Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10: 41-42 (KJV)
Martha was doing what she was taught to do – serving. Mary was doing the opposite of what she was taught, but exactly what was right in the moment. She was taking a break from the business of life, resting at the feet of Jesus, and listening to her Savior and what He had to say.
Mary understood in that moment that what she was getting from Jesus was more important than keeping herself busy alongside her sister.
Life has a way of keeping us busy with all the responsibilities and tasks that demand our time, attention, and energy.
Of course, someone has to do those things or they just won’t get done. However, busy is not always what we are called to be. Busy is not always the most productive thing.
Sometimes, following the example of Mary is exactly what is most important in the moment.
Embracing Life’s Spiritual Seasons: My Journey from Burnout to Breakthrough
Life has a unique way of unveiling our path, even when we feel lost in the dark. My journey from burnout to breakthrough wasn’t a straightforward one, but it was filled with lessons that brought me closer to my faith, helped me understand the power of mindset, and revealed the value of being present.
Discovering a Deeper Spiritual Connection
I vividly remember the moment my life took a transformative turn. While walking in a bookstore, a spiritual book called out to me. That book wasn’t just informative; it spoke to me deeply, reigniting a spiritual connection that had been dormant. This profound awakening led to my commitment to writing my book in 2018, sharing my journey with the world.
The Impact of Sharing My Story
The reception of my book was a testament to the power of shared experiences. Every review reminded me of how essential it is to be vulnerable, to share our stories, and to offer hope to others. When we brave the storm and reveal our struggles, we unknowingly become a beacon of hope for someone else.
Questioning Life’s True Purpose
The success of my book led me to question my professional trajectory. Was the world of marketing and business truly where my heart lay? I realized that often, we cling to the familiar because it’s comfortable, not necessarily because it’s where we belong.
The Power of Embracing Discomfort
Growth doesn’t come from staying in our comfort zones. Just like ballet taught me to lean into discomfort to achieve grace, life was teaching me to embrace challenges and change. It was evident that fighting against the current was draining my energy, and it was time to surrender to God’s flow.
Mindset Matters: Rethinking the Patterns of Our Thoughts
One significant revelation was understanding the power of the mind. Our thoughts, often left unchecked, determine our emotions, behaviors, and ultimately our outcomes. If we continuously believe in our limitations, we inadvertently set ourselves up for failure.
Busy Isn’t a Badge
Society often glorifies being busy, but this can lead to burnout. Going back to the basics made me realize that it’s not about always doing more but about focusing on what truly matters. In the grand scheme of things, striving for excellence over perfection, and honoring God’s expectations for us is what counts.
Guarding Our Inputs: The Importance of Filtering Negativity
In a world inundated with news and information, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by negativity. This overload can trigger our brain’s primitive fight-or-flight response. Filtering our inputs, be it news, entertainment, or even our circle of friends, is crucial for our mental well-being.
Finding Our True Identity
Our self-worth shouldn’t be anchored to our past mistakes or experiences. Our true identity lies in how God sees us: loved, chosen, protected, and valuable. Separating truth from lies is a continuous journey, but one worth undertaking.
Challenge Your Thinking: The Mindset Makeover
Building a healthy mindset requires intention. Just as we exercise our bodies or watch our diet, our thoughts need nurturing. Keeping a ‘mindset diary,’ akin to a food journal, can help us track and change negative thought patterns over time.
Running the Divine Race
Life is filled with ups and downs, but the key lies in persistence and perseverance. Listening to God, even during turbulent times, will always illuminate a way forward. Sometimes, the solution is simpler than we think. It might even be as straightforward as taking a nap to rejuvenate. Embracing life’s seasons, both good and challenging, is the ultimate path to spiritual and personal growth.
