Why I'm Learning to Leave Things Undone

 
I’m learning that to be more like Jesus I have to do less.
It’s a hard lesson. Painfully so. Because recognizing that I can’t complete everything on my agenda brings feelings of frustration and disappointment. Truthfully, I must ask myself, “Whose agenda am I trying to accomplish?”
My personality is such that I set high aspirations. I love connecting with people. In addition, I naturally gravitate toward those in my sphere who are struggling.  The pull to check-in regularly through some form of contact is hard to resist. Guilt surfaces.
In my world, so much calls to be done. I have a hard time prioritizing because it all seems urgent.
What would happen if I didn’t do it all?
That question pierces my soul because I know the answer.
God will meet the needs.
My mind quickly jumps to the scriptural reminder that Jesus chose not to do it all.
³⁵ In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. ³⁶ And Simon and his companions hunted for him. (Mark 1:35-36)
Not everyone was healed. The disciples had to solve their own problems. The voices calling out looking for him never received a response.
God met the needs.
Katie Reid, in her new book, “Made Like Martha,” writes, “When I act as if it’s all up to me, I elevate my doer’s heart above my dependence on the One who is not served by human hands.”
ouch
“I forget that He is the One who gives life and breath and everything else…..His divine power gives me everything I need for life and godliness.”
God knows the needs. And how to meet them. Maybe it’s through me. But maybe it’s not.
I am learning to attune my ear to the voice of God telling me what the “one thing” is.  Doing that brings liberation.  Abundant life even.
Because I’m learning that being more like Jesus involves less of “me.”
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