Overcoming Overdoing

She has done what she could. ~ Mark 14:8

As this week passes too quickly, yet not quickly enough, I find myself saying "Selah" to this verse from Mark. A woman had taken her alabaster box and broken it, pouring its contents over Jesus' head. She anointed Him for His pending burial. He hadn't even made it to the cross yet, but she prepared ahead of time.

When those who supped with Him complained, he answered that she had done what she could.

When we see things coming, we know we need to be prepared, do we do what we can? Or do we fret and worry about doing those things we need not?

I will be attending the Blue Ridge Mountains Writers Conference this weekend and most of next week. I've got a 24-point to-do list. The day has gone by, and I have six items checked off my list. This may sound like an accomplishment, but a few of these items will take an entire day or a few hours of a day to complete. Some will not be finished when I leave for North Carolina this Saturday. Some will be finished in a matter of moments.

What's an overachiever to do when there's so much to be done?

Selah. She has done what she could.

Sometimes it's important to take a moment to think "What would Jesus have me do?" What preparations are necessary? What can I give my Lord in this time?

Consider the contents of your alabaster box. What is the most precious thing you have in this moment to offer the Lord? Do that first.

Break open the box. Don't hold back out of fear of what others may think or say. Don't hold back out of fear of God's response. Use those talents. Expose them. Allow the Lord to increase your influence, to use your testimony for His greater purposes.

Glorify the Lord. Share what God has done as you've been faithful to His will. Others may complain, but God will deal with their hearts through the word of your testimony.

Prepare the way of the Lord. Take that first step toward your goal. You'll be amazed at how soon you've accomplished many things as you've taken small steps. They add up faster than we realize. Soon you'll be looking back with jaw dropped at how far you've come.

Rest in knowing that you've done what you could. Don't fret over the things you cannot accomplish. God didn't create us to do it all. He gave each one of us unique gifts, talents, and calls. Do what you can. Not what you think you have to. That one thing may be something your best friend was created to do. Let her do it. And rest in knowing you don't have to.