Not Enough Time
The last two months have been a little crazy in my life, from multiple projects at work all at once, to totaling my car from rear-ending someone, to celebrating my sister’s wedding, to burying my grandmother. Life has been a struggle and VERY busy. In stark contrast, my December has actually been pretty chill, and I’m here for it after the chaos. I’m ready to stop, process, and reflect on all God has done in my life in the last year.
A couple weeks ago, I had the honor of officiating my grandmother’s funeral. After she passed, my mom was flipping through her Bible and found a mini-sermon of notes and scripture references that reminded me of what was really important, and I want to share it with you today in light of Advent.
In the front of her Bible, my grandma wrote the following, leaving a roadmap of her own words pointing me to more scripture:
“Do I get upset having so many things to do? Life’s single assignment.” Luke 10:41-42:
“And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.””
“I have only one thing to do.” Philippians 4:19:
“And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
“I have as much time as anyone. I have all the time in the world. No one has more, no one has less.” Matthew 14:23:
“And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.”
“I will set aside moments to be with my Lord.” Matthew 9:19-22:
“So Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples. And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.” But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour.”
“I will expect interruptions.” Luke 6:31.
“And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.”
“I will respect other’s time - it is God’s time too.” 1 Corinthians 10:31.
“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
“All my time belongs to God. Do all for the glory of God.”
JOURNAL: What statement stuck out the most to you and why? How does it speak to the season you are in right now?
What’s interesting in all of this is that I do not remember my grandma ever worrying about all the things that needed to get done, even though I know she had a lot to do. She stayed busy up until the last several years. All those years ago, she learned the secret and lived it out in front of my mom, and later my sister and me. But I think I can safely say that my mom, sister, and I have not quite mastered the art of relying on God and being ready for His interruptions.
Last week, I mentioned to a coworker that I wish I had 48 hours in a day, then maybe I might get everything done. But even as I said that, I knew I would be wishing for even more time if I had 48 hours in a day.
Over the next couple of weeks, my goal is to stop, be still, process, and enjoy the time I do have. There is no use in wishing the time back or away. I need to prepare my heart and mind for the new year and all God has in store. I’m ready to see God work miracles, but He can do His greatest work when I stop and sit in His presence.
For you, the next couple of weeks might look the exact opposite of mine, and that’s okay. My challenge to you would be to still find moments of stillness, even if only 5 minutes, to shift your focus on the One who truly matters, the One who can still your anxious heart and bring peace to your mind. God wants to provide everything you need; all you have to do is ask.
ACTIVATION: Incorporate moments to spend in God’s presence amidst your busy schedule this holiday season. Even if it’s only for 5 minutes, stop and allow God to minister to your heart and mind.
PRAYER: God, thank You for the reminder to stop and be still. You hold everything in Your hands, even me and all the things I’m walking through this holiday season. Help me steward well the time I have been given. I want to keep the main thing the main thing this holiday season, remembering You are the reason for the season. There is no Christmas without the birth of Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for making provision for me, even when I can’t see it. I know You are always working and moving on my behalf. Thank You for everything You have done, everything You are doing now, and everything You are going to do! I love You, Lord! In Jesus’ name, Amen!
A couple weeks ago, I had the honor of officiating my grandmother’s funeral. After she passed, my mom was flipping through her Bible and found a mini-sermon of notes and scripture references that reminded me of what was really important, and I want to share it with you today in light of Advent.
In the front of her Bible, my grandma wrote the following, leaving a roadmap of her own words pointing me to more scripture:
“Do I get upset having so many things to do? Life’s single assignment.” Luke 10:41-42:
“And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.””
“I have only one thing to do.” Philippians 4:19:
“And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
“I have as much time as anyone. I have all the time in the world. No one has more, no one has less.” Matthew 14:23:
“And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.”
“I will set aside moments to be with my Lord.” Matthew 9:19-22:
“So Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples. And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.” But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour.”
“I will expect interruptions.” Luke 6:31.
“And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.”
“I will respect other’s time - it is God’s time too.” 1 Corinthians 10:31.
“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
“All my time belongs to God. Do all for the glory of God.”
JOURNAL: What statement stuck out the most to you and why? How does it speak to the season you are in right now?
What’s interesting in all of this is that I do not remember my grandma ever worrying about all the things that needed to get done, even though I know she had a lot to do. She stayed busy up until the last several years. All those years ago, she learned the secret and lived it out in front of my mom, and later my sister and me. But I think I can safely say that my mom, sister, and I have not quite mastered the art of relying on God and being ready for His interruptions.
Last week, I mentioned to a coworker that I wish I had 48 hours in a day, then maybe I might get everything done. But even as I said that, I knew I would be wishing for even more time if I had 48 hours in a day.
Over the next couple of weeks, my goal is to stop, be still, process, and enjoy the time I do have. There is no use in wishing the time back or away. I need to prepare my heart and mind for the new year and all God has in store. I’m ready to see God work miracles, but He can do His greatest work when I stop and sit in His presence.
For you, the next couple of weeks might look the exact opposite of mine, and that’s okay. My challenge to you would be to still find moments of stillness, even if only 5 minutes, to shift your focus on the One who truly matters, the One who can still your anxious heart and bring peace to your mind. God wants to provide everything you need; all you have to do is ask.
ACTIVATION: Incorporate moments to spend in God’s presence amidst your busy schedule this holiday season. Even if it’s only for 5 minutes, stop and allow God to minister to your heart and mind.
PRAYER: God, thank You for the reminder to stop and be still. You hold everything in Your hands, even me and all the things I’m walking through this holiday season. Help me steward well the time I have been given. I want to keep the main thing the main thing this holiday season, remembering You are the reason for the season. There is no Christmas without the birth of Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for making provision for me, even when I can’t see it. I know You are always working and moving on my behalf. Thank You for everything You have done, everything You are doing now, and everything You are going to do! I love You, Lord! In Jesus’ name, Amen!
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3 Comments
So good, Joy! Great reminder in this season.
So pure and right on time.
Beautiful!❤️