In Other Words...

"One reason we are so harried and hurried is that we make yesterday and tomorrow our business, when all that legitimately should concern us is today. If we really have too much to do, there are some items on the agenda which God did not put there. Let us submit the list to Him and ask Him to indicate which items we must delete. There is always time to do the will of God. If we are too busy to do that, we are too busy."~ Elisabeth Elliott ~

Wow, this quote came to us at one of the most hurried times of the year! It all starts with the preparation for Thanksgiving, and does not stop until New Years Day. Just thinking about my schedule wears me out. I'm so glad I decided to read this quote and take a minute to think about how God might feel about all of this activity. The first scripture that came to my mind was in PS 90:12 where we are instructed by these words: "So teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom." What does it mean to truly number our days and why?

Our schedule may be filled with many good and even important things to do. But are they the best things, and the necessary things? I know that I can often identify with Martha. In that very familiar passage where we see Martha trying so very hard to seek the approval of Jesus by her own performance. She blurts out in frustration and says, "Look how much harder I’m working than Mary, Lord!" But she failed to see the important thing, the "one necessary thing" that in coming to Christ it is not what we bring to Him, but what we receive from Him. Mary understood that principal as she sat at the feet of Jesus and worshipped Him. What is the “one thing” that is most needed? Isn’t it hearing and receiving the words of Christ? His words to us are life indeed!

Now there is consolation for all of us who fall into the “Martha trap” in the fact that Jesus did not condemn her. Instead, He gently instructed her and encouraged her to reassess her priorities.

I pray that during this sometimes hectic season, we will not only take time to enjoy all the many things God has blessed us with, but even more importantly enjoy the on who gives the “Blessings”. No matter how busy we may get, let’s not loose sight of why we are doing what we do. I think we all want to be able to look back and realize that we have invested our lives in the things that will last.

Lord during these very hurried times, help us to keep our hearts focused on the things you would have us to do. Be glorified in our lives in this Christmas season, and everyday.

Thanks Sarah for hosting this In Other Words today. The quote could not have come at a better time. To visit other's who have written on this topic you can go visit Sarah's blog.