I'm still getting used to the idea of having less on my plate, and as I do so, the Lord is revealing to me little by little that this is where I'm supposed to be.
This week in one of my quiet times, I read through Genesis 3. It's the chapter in which sin is introduced into the world.
Adam and Eve are given clear instructions from God: You can eat the fruit from any tree in the garden but you MUST NOT eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil that stands in the middle of the garden. He even points out its location. The consequence for eating this fruit is severe: "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die." (Genesis 2:16-17) ... Note: Not just die but surely die. The consequences are grave and severe!
Despite God's clear instruction, both of them believe the serpent's lie and take a bite of the eye-appealing fruit. Immediately they recognize their vulnerability and are overwhelmed with shame making fig leaf coverings for their nakedness.
God walks through the garden in the cool of the day and Adam and Eve hear him coming. They hide among the trees and God calls out to Adam asking, "Where are you?"
At this point in my devotion, the Lord gently tapped me on the shoulder and asked where I tend to hide when he's walking through the cool of my day. I had to think about it because surely I'm readily available to whatever the Lord says to me or however he directs me. It didn't take long for this "Martha" to realize that I tend to hide behind busyness.
Now please do not misunderstand me. I am not saying that being busy is wrong. Many godly people who are walking closely with the Lord have an overflowing plate and that is exactly where God wants them. I've been there.
What I am saying is that the Lord revealed to me that one of the reasons my plate is oh so empty right now is that I need to be able to hear him clearly. I need to not be distracted. I need to have down time for whatever reason.
I'm learning to accept it. It's been hard. I still feel lazy and have a hankering to accomplish something but I know that being available to my husband and kids is where I am to be right now. My family is my ministry.
.JPG)
