Each time I’m in this spot, I ask myself, “Self, how did I get here?” I go through these cycles where I prune back the to-do list, the demands on my time, commitments I make, etc…and then, somehow, they creep back in and before I know it, I’m feeling weary and burdened and talking to myself.
As tough as it is to say “No,” sometimes it’s exactly the right word to say. A good friend witnessed my juggling act recently and gave me this text:
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.”
Mark 1:35-38, NIV
So I thought I would share it with you…no in-depth analysis or commentary, just simply sharing with you my realization that as humans, we simply can’t do everything or be everything to everyone. Jesus realized this and gave this knowledge to His disciples (and to us) as a gift – yes, everyone may be looking for you, may want your time or talents or whatever, but sometimes saying no is the most God-honouring thing we can do. We can trust the promptings of His Spirit to show us the times to engage and the times to move into solitary places.
To follow Jesus is not a burden; He promises to share and even carry our burdens (Matthew 11:30). So why wouldn’t I take him up on this offer?
Learning in Christ together,
Mandy Johnston
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