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Invisible Lines and Impossible Standards
Have you ever felt like you're walking through a maze where the walls keep moving? Or perhaps trying to follow rules written in invisible ink? Welcome to the club! I've spent countless hours trying to decipher the unwritten social contract that seems to govern every interaction, only to find myself stumbling over invisible lines I didn't even know existed.
"Remind me about these things, but don't be a nag."
"Show initiative, but don't overstep."
"Give me all the information, but don't get bogged down in the details."
“Work hard, but don't overdo it."
"Rest, but don't be lazy."
The list of contradictory expectations goes on and on, enough to make anyone's head spin! Even in our spiritual lives, we often find ourselves trapped between seemingly opposing directives.
"Pray with faith, but don't be presumptuous."
"Trust God completely, but plan responsibly."
"Pour out your heart to God, but don't gripe or complain."
From Weariness to Worship
Now, I don't know about you, but sometimes I feel like I'm stumbling through this Christian life like an ostrich walking on marbles. One moment, I'm confidently taking steps, and the next, I'm face-planting into the carpet of life's challenges. But here's the beautiful thing: our Heavenly Father is right there, picking us up, dusting us off, and encouraging us to try again. He's not rolling His eyes or checking His watch; He's cheering us on with the enthusiasm of a parent watching their toddler take their first steps.
The goal, as we've discussed, is to reach a place where our entire life becomes an act of worship. Imagine that! Every breath, every action, every thought offered up as a sweet-smelling savor to the Lord. It's a lofty aspiration, isn't it? But let's not be discouraged if we haven't quite reached that pinnacle yet.
Think of it like tending a garden. When you plant a seed, you don't expect a full-grown tree overnight. It takes time, patience, and consistent care. Some days, you might not see any progress at all. But beneath the surface, roots are deepening, and growth is happening.
Navigating Emotions with God’s Help
"Oh, Martha, Martha."
I can almost hear Jesus sighing as He says those words. I don't know about you, but I've heard that tone before. It usually comes right after I've done something spectacularly bone-headed, like trying to microwave a burrito still wrapped in foil. (Pro tip: Don't do that unless you enjoy impromptu fireworks in your kitchen.)
As I reflect on Martha's harsh words and accusations, I'm torn. On one hand, it's obvious her attitude was wrong, and the resulting actions were downright childish. On the other hand, I can't help but feel a pang of empathy for her. After all, I've been there. Haven't we all allowed our emotions to take the reins, leading us down a path of regret?
It's so easy to let our feelings dictate our actions, especially when we're tired, overwhelmed, or frustrated. But as believers, we're called to something higher. We're called to let God's truth guide our steps, even when our emotions are screaming at us to do otherwise. It's like trying to eat a salad when there's a perfectly good pizza sitting right next to it. We know what we should do, but boy, is it hard sometimes!
Strategies for Overcoming the Chaos of Over-Commitment
As I sit here, typing away, I can't help but chuckle at the irony. Here I am, writing about the dangers of over-commitment while my to-do list threatens to topple off my desk and bury me alive. It's a bit like a drowning man giving swimming lessons, right?
But let's be honest, we've all been there. We've all felt the weight of too many responsibilities pressing down on our shoulders, threatening to crush us under their collective mass. It's as if we're trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle on a tightrope. Over a pit of hungry alligators. In a hurricane.
The physical toll of over-commitment is no laughing matter, though. Our bodies weren't designed for constant stress and activity. We need rest, rejuvenation, and the occasional nap (preferably not during the pastor's sermon, but I won't judge). When we push ourselves too hard for too long, our bodies start to rebel.
Headaches become our constant companions. Our backs ache like we've been lugging around boulders instead of grocery bags. Our eyes develop a twitch that makes us look like we're constantly winking at everyone (which can lead to some awkward situations, let me tell you). And don't even get me started on the joys of stress-induced acid reflux. Nothing says, "I'm living my best life," like feeling like you've swallowed a flamethrower after every meal.
When Service Becomes Stressful
While the Bible doesn't tell us specifically what Martha was cooking, I have a feeling she wasn't throwing together a quick sandwich for Jesus and his followers. No, I believe she was preparing a feast. After all, it's not every day the Son of God stops by for dinner. If I had such an honored guest coming to dinner, I wouldn't serve Him a dish of Hamburger Helper. I would want to prepare a meal fit for a king, and I believe Martha felt the same.
But like many of us often do, Martha bit off more than she could chew. Her to-do list was long, and her strength was waning. Not only did she have to get everything done, but she had to do it to perfection. That means everything would finish cooking simultaneously, each dish would be delicious and cooked to just the right temperature, and everything would look just as beautiful as Martha envisioned. That, my friends, is a tall order. No wonder Martha was stressed!
The Busyness Bandaid
Sometimes, it's not life's demands that keep us overly busy but rather the need to run from something. We keep ourselves busy to avoid dealing with our troubles or to keep our minds from spiraling out of control with worries and frustrations. The thought of rest scares us.
Let me tell you, when I attempt to sit still and do nothing, my mind wanders faster than a toddler in a toy store. I fret about circumstances so far beyond my control that I might as well try to lasso the moon. I ruminate over past missteps until I've practically worn a groove in my brain. It's less daunting to immerse myself in a flurry of activity than to confront those fears and regrets head-on. I find solace in the familiar rhythm of my daily tasks as if folding laundry and scrubbing toilets can keep the shadows at bay. (Spoiler alert: they can't, but at least my whites are whiter, and my bathroom sparkles!)
Ironically, my constant striving for perfection in all aspects of my life only fuels my anxiety and self-doubt. I desire to be the best wife, missionary, and author I can be, but I often fall short of my lofty expectations. This, in turn, leads to a vicious cycle of overworking and exhaustion that would make even the Energizer Bunny throw in the towel.
Martha, My Hero
Let me tell you something that might shock you: Martha is one of my Biblical heroes. I know—you're probably thinking, "Has she lost her marbles? Martha? The one Jesus gently rebuked?" But hear me out because Martha and I are like two peas in a very stressed-out pod. You see, I'm a recovering perfectionist. I'm the girl who color-codes her sock drawer and alphabetizes her spice rack. (Don't judge me; organization is next to godliness, right? No? Well, it should be!) Like Martha, I love the Lord with all my heart, but boy, oh boy, do I get distracted. It's like my brain is a puppy in a room full of squirrels—always chasing after the next worry or task.
I've walked a mile in Martha's sandals, and let me tell you, it's not a comfortable stroll. I've let my to-do list become my taskmaster, pushing my time with God to the bottom of the heap. And just like Martha, I've learned the hard way that putting chores before the Lord is a recipe for spiritual indigestion.
Finding Joy in the Midst of Weariness
Serving God is meant to be a joy, a source of fulfillment and purpose. But let's be real—sometimes it feels about as joyful as a root canal without anesthesia. We give and give, pouring ourselves out for others until we're as empty as a chocolate box after Valentine's Day. There comes a point when we can't give anymore. We're tired, weary, and worn out, and it's all we can do to keep putting one foot in front of the other without tripping over our own exhaustion.
I've been there myself more times than I care to admit. As a missionary and an author, I'm constantly juggling the demands of ministry, family, and my own physical limitations. There are days when I feel like I'm barely keeping my head above water, and the thought of giving any more of myself seems as impossible as teaching my dog to do my taxes.
Rekindling Our Zeal
Have you ever stopped to think about the word "enthusiasm"? It's a word we use often to describe our passion or excitement for something, but did you know that its etymology has a fascinating link to the divine? The word "enthusiasm" comes from the Greek "enthousiasmos" (ἐνθουσιασμός), which can be broken down into two parts: "en" (ἐν) meaning "in" or "within," and "theos" (θεός) meaning "god." In ancient Greek, "enthousiasmos" referred to a state of divine inspiration or possession by a god.
Isn't it fascinating how language evolves? While the original concept of "enthusiasm" was related to being filled with or inspired by a divine presence, the meaning has evolved over time to describe intense excitement or zeal for any cause or interest. But as Christians, I believe we should reclaim the original meaning of enthusiasm and apply it to our relationship with God.
Beauty From Ashes
A few days ago, I shared with you a devotion about fireweed and how it can remind us of the fleeting nature of life. Today, I'd like to share another encouraging thought the Lord showed me through this remarkable plant.
You see, fireweed isn't just known for its brief but beautiful life cycle. It's also famous for its uncanny ability to thrive in the most unlikely places. Where forest fires have ravaged the land, mudslides have torn through hillsides, or human activity has left scars on the earth, fireweed is often the first to appear, painting the landscape with its cheerful purple hues.
As I gazed at the fireweed, I couldn't help but marvel at God's intricate design. He created a plant that not only survives in damaged areas but flourishes there. It's as if the Lord looked at the devastation and said, "Watch what I can do with this."