When God leads...

Ten days ago, I went on strike.

Okay, it wasn't quite that drastic. I simply prioritized my life, and cleaning was so low on the list that it fell off.

See, New Year's Resolutions always get me--eat right, exercise daily, read the Bible, read [a list of] books, teach my kids [a variety of things], keep the house clean and organized.

But I only have so many hours in a day. The same number you do, actually. It is never enough to accomplish my list of resolutions.

In my frenzied attempt to do so, the Lord whispered, "Dorothy, you are so busy with so many things. Choose the one thing."

One thing? How do I choose one thing? One!

I said, "But God, if I don't clean, who is going to do it?"

God responded, "Do you not think I am big enough to take care of it? Even if I don't, obey me. Choose the one thing."

Ten days passed without a scrubbing, a sorting, or a sweeping. Clementine peels littered the floor, pistachio shells crunched underfoot, pizza sauce splattered, yet God said, "You are so busy with so many things."

I chose to immerse myself in God's word and books about God's word with the time I used to spend cleaning up after the family. I only did the dishes, cleaned the laundry, taught the lessons, and enjoyed the Lord Jesus.

I did not enjoy the mess.

This morning, my husband corralled the kids and said, "This place is filthy. You are going to clean it today. You must learn to clean up your own messes."

My children, ages 9 and under, and my husband spent eight full hours scrubbing, sweeping, trashing, sorting, vacuuming, and tidying. Chris even dismantled the light fixtures to exhume the deceased insects. I, also, spent the day cleaning the kitchen and preparing the meals... and enjoying time in the word of God.

The Lord responded to my plea, but only after I obeyed him. We are so busy with so many things, yet Jesus promised us rest. Not laziness, but rest in His work. Don't be blinded to His work by the burdens of your own making. Choose the one thing.