You Can’t Do Everything!

“Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires.”

My family has a joke that if, as Smokey Bear says, I am literally the only person in the world who can prevent forest fires, then I need to get busy! It’s pretty silly to imagine, but sometimes I get just as busy as if I was the sole preventer of forest fires!

About a year ago, when I was really busy, my dad was sweet and suggested that I consider cutting back a bit. I realized that he was right: I had nearly every hour accounted for! I made a list of the activities I was currently involved in and picked which ones were a priority and which ones I should give up. It was both painful and relieving to let go of some of those commitments, and guess what? It worked out fine! People quickly stepped up to fill any holes I left behind and I found the REST that I had been missing in my life.

I would encourage you to pray over your schedule and ask God what He wants you to do with your time. Here are some questions you could pray over:

• Are you setting aside any time to spend with God?

• If so, should you increase your time with God?

• Are you spending any time serving God?

• Are you spending time with your family?

• Are you reserving mealtimes and bedtimes for a break?

• Are you getting fresh air?

• Do you have margin in your life?

• Should you cut back on your screen time?

May I be like Mary, choosing rather to sit at Jesus’ feet than to be busy and stressed-out like Martha. May I pray for God‘s Kingdom to come and, yes, serve Him, but with the healthy mindset of it not depending on myself. Jesus calls us to rest!

And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. - Mark 6:31