I recently moved into a new home, and while it’s exciting, I’ve found myself more anxious than I expected. I mean I have a toddler who sometimes ‘rearranges what I have arranged’ and also a full time job—though I took time off work for a couple of days, it’s never quite enough. Indeed, I am grateful for moving into a new place but I let myself get so stressed to the point my body literally aches and my brain is in an overdrive mode. Everywhere I turn, there’s a box or a bag waiting to be unpacked, a corner that needs arranging, or a list of tasks that keeps growing. Having to look for a new nursery for my toddler, trying to set up new furniture, returning some furniture I got that was not quite right. I also keep searching for different things—which can happen when you move homes. In addition, we were trying to clean out our old house too—which added to the to do list! Instead of enjoying the process, I catch myself feeling restless, overwhelmed, distracted, and burdened by all the little details.
It’s funny how easily we can get caught up in the details. I’ve been so focused on trying to get everything “just right” that I sometimes forget to simply breathe and enjoy the process. I was so focused on arranging and setting everything up.
This whole thing reminded me of that Bible story about Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38–42). You know the one—Jesus comes to their house, and Martha is running around making sure everything is perfect, while Mary just sits at His feet, listening. Martha gets frustrated (honestly, I would too if I was doing all the work), but Jesus gently tells her, “Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better.”
Luke 10:41-42
Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
I don’t think Jesus was dismissing Martha’s work—after all, serving is valuable. But He was highlighting where true peace comes from: not in getting everything done, but in sitting with Him. In resting in him is indeed where we find true peace and serenity.
As I look at my half-unpacked boxes and bags, I realize that what I need most isn’t a perfectly set-up home but a quiet heart anchored in God’s presence. The house will eventually come together, but if I let worry steal my peace, I miss the joy of this season.
So, here’s what I’m learning (and maybe this will encourage you too):
- Pause and breathe. Not every task has to be completed today.
- Choose presence over perfection. A few minutes with God can realign an anxious heart. Rest in him.
- Let go of the pressure. Your worth isn’t tied to how quickly you arrange your home (or your life).
- Embrace the moment. Sometimes, the better choice is to sit at Jesus’ feet, even when the boxes remain.
If you’re also in a season of transition—or just overwhelmed by “so many things”—remember that peace doesn’t come from crossing off every item on the to-do list. It comes from choosing the “one thing” that matters most: drawing near to Jesus. Leave it to God, don’t think you have to do everything so fast. Breathe and enjoy the process—don’t rush.
The boxes will still be there tomorrow. But the invitation to rest at His feet is here today.
Reflection:
When have you felt overwhelmed by life situation and how can you rest in Christ?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for reminding me that I don’t have to carry everything on my shoulders. Help me not to be so distracted by all the little things that I miss the most important thing—time with You. Give me peace in the middle of the mess and joy in the middle of the process. In Jesus precious name, Amen.
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