4 minute read 
by Bethany Rees

A Juggling Act: Overcommitted and Overwhelmed

Have you ever found yourself juggling so many tasks that you start wondering if you’ve accidentally signed up for a circus act instead of a day in real life? 

Trust me, you’re not alone. I’ve been there—stretched so thin that I began to consider whether a "help wanted" sign on my forehead might be a good idea. But through it all, I've learned a valuable lesson: sometimes, saying no is the best way to say yes to what truly matters.

Mary and Martha: A Biblical Lesson in Priorities

Let’s take a little journey back to the story of Mary and Martha from Luke 10:38-42. Picture it: Martha is racing around her house, pots clanging, flour flying, and her mind a whirlwind of worry over dinner preparations. Meanwhile, Mary has taken the bold step of plopping down at Jesus' feet, soaking in His presence like it's the last sunny day before a week of rain.

Martha, understandably frazzled, vents her frustrations to Jesus. “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” she exclaims. And Jesus, ever so calmly, replies, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary.[b] Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

The Trap of the To-Do List

Now, before we get all high and mighty about how we’d totally be a Mary in that situation, let’s be real. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, thinking that if we just add a few more things to our to-do list, everything will miraculously fall into place. But that’s where we trip up.

When Martha was fretting over the details of dinner, she missed out on the real treasure: spending time with Jesus. And let’s be honest, how many of us have ended up in the same boat? We bite off more than we can chew—volunteering for every committee, hosting the perfect dinner parties, juggling every request that comes our way—only to find ourselves missing out on the moments that really matter.

The Power of Saying No

I’ve found that the key to avoiding this pitfall is learning to say no to the good so that we can say yes to the best. Let’s face it, there’s only so much of us to go around. If we spread ourselves too thin, we’re not just adding stress to our lives; we’re also robbing ourselves of the joy and fulfillment that comes from focusing on what truly counts.

So, the next time you’re tempted to say yes to every request or invitation that comes your way, remember Mary and Martha. Ask yourself: Is this truly the best use of my time? Is this helping me grow closer to my purpose, or is it just another way to fill up my calendar?

Embracing Boundaries for a Fuller Life

It’s okay to say no. In fact, it’s a skill we need to embrace. By setting boundaries and prioritizing what really matters, we’re not just managing our time better; we’re making space for the kind of experiences that enrich our lives and bring us closer to the heart of God.

So go ahead—clear out some of that clutter in your schedule. Say no to the good so you can say yes to the best. And who knows? You might just find yourself enjoying a little more peace, a little more joy, and a lot more time with the One who truly matters.

Remember, less can definitely be more, especially when you’re choosing what really counts.

Know Better. Do Better. Live Better. Say “No.”

Rocks before Sand!

Scripture: 

“Now as they went on their way, Jesus[a] entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.  And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

~ Luke 10:38-42

Theme Song: 

Jonny Diaz - “Breathe” (Official Lyric Video)

References Used:

• The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.