Spiritually distracted (confession: sometimes I am like Martha)

In a recent conversation with a friend, she shared about all the goodness that was happening in her life and yet her soul felt tired. We both came to the conclusion that the "tiredness" - despite how much sleep we get - was really more about the lack of our souls being filled, rather than our bodies needing sleep.

As a parent, who works outside the home, a leader and builder — this is a constant theme. How do I balance doing, with being?

I was reminded throughout many conversations this week of the epic conversation between Jesus and two of his favorite women. Martha was running around checking off her to-do list, while Mary sat at Jesus' feet. What captivates me is that he doesn't say either is wrong, he says "Mary has chosen what is better." Martha was distracted. She was missing the better. I think sometimes I miss the better because I'm too distracted. Sitting at the feet of Jesus regularly allows me to refuel my soul in a way that makes me feel less tired. A fueling that can only come from him and can only come with the focus on Him, and not on me and the day-to-day things of this world.

Are you missing better because you're too distracted to see it? Join me in spending even 5 minutes a day being quiet, allowing Him to refuel you in a way sleep, netflix, or a good book could never compare.

Here are some ways I've been regrounding myself and becoming less distracted:

1. Take a day: over the summer, I haven't been great with Sabbath. We have traveled on the weekends and only practiced it a few times. As the school season creeps up, I know we need our one day to rest. Read more about my Sabbath practice.

2. Take 5 minutes: What if 5 minutes a day you silenced your world? What would that look like? "Do Not Disturb" is the most-used setting on my iPhone lately.

3. Take control: habits like picking up my phone to scroll or mindless television—they have their place, FOR SURE. But have you noticed the times they are distracting you? I'm starting to turn off the meaningless distractions & turn on the things that matter—sleep, quiet time, a walk, time with my kids and husband, or a phone call with a friend.