Life is full of busyness. No one has time for themselves. What does it all mean, anyway? Slow down, take a moment… hit the pause button.
Chris Maxwell, www.chrismaxwell.me, a friend of mine, has written several pausing books. Why? Because without a pause, we flutter through life being who we think everyone wants us to be or trying to be someone we’re not or because we don’t think we have the time to be still.
In Chris’s book, Pause for Moms: Finding Rest in a too Busy World, I wrote a few paragraphs about my treadmill life. Like a hamster on the hamster wheel, every day had the same routine. I was a young mother going nowhere but spiraling downhill physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
It took my doctor’s advice to prioritize my time to turn me around. Who knew God would use my doctor to open my eyes to enjoying life, fulfilling my responsibilities, and making time for myself by spending time with the Lord?
Pausing with my Savior is the best decision I’ve ever made.
The story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42 shows us the differences in their priorities.
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen the better, and it will not be taken from her.
Mary was all about sitting at Jesus’ feet and soaking in His every word. Martha stayed busy with preparations she thought needed her attention. Now, if anyone is OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) which is a tendency towards perfectionism, you might get some insight into Martha’s personality.
She assumed it was important to be efficient and well prepared before taking time to listen, while Mary’s priority was reversed. She knew everything would still be there to clean up after Jesus left, but for the time, she paused and spent time with Him.
I don’t claim myself as a member of the OCD group, but I definitely used to fall into the Martha category.
Bam! I confessed!
While I still love organization, everything having a place and staying in its place, and being on time for meetings and events, I’ve learned to slow the pace and make time for a pause with Jesus.
I still align everything before I leave a room. I make the bed, straighten towels in the bathroom, and place the decorative pillows on the couch in their proper positions before leaving my house. And yet, I pause for a moment of his wisdom.
Dirty dishes in the sink drive me bonkers. Glasses and cups sitting for long periods of time give me a nervous twitch. Not really, but you get my point.
Spending time with God doesn’t make me perfect, but it quiets my spirit, gives me wisdom, and fills me with peace. 
Where’s the pause in busyness? Nowhere.
I challenge you to take inventory of your life. Are you a Mary or a Martha?
- Are you stressed
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Afraid
- Sick
- Hurting
- Feeling down
- Need encouragement
- Need peace
PAUSE… and let God guide you in every moment of every day!
Be sure to check out Chris Maxwell’s website for more of his “Pause” writings, and other books.
Blessings to you,
Loretta Eidson
Loretta Eidson is an award-winning author who loves writing romantic suspense. Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency is her agent. Loretta is a member of ACFW, BRMCWC, RWA, SinC, and HACWN. She loves chocolate, caramel, and coffee. Loretta lives in Olive Branch, Mississippi with her husband, Ken, a retired Police Captain.
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Loretta, I needed to read this today! Thank you!
You’re welcome, Regina. Sometimes I get really busy and I have to remind myself it’s okay to “Pause” and take some time… for myself.