Dear Ones,
Hope you have a peace-filled day. Our grandson, Joe, came by last night for supper on his way to the lake. Today I have exercise class, Crafts and later Bible study.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
How many of us have thoughts that we are indispensable? If we don’t do something, it just won’t get done…at least not done correctly or as well as we could do it. So we jump into things and get overcommitted at the expense of our life with the Lord. We may feel we are being sacrificial taking on something else, but instead we could be stunting the growth of those in our family, friends, and even members of our church. When we step into situations and take over, it lets others off the hook and does not leave room for them to take on responsibilities and grow.

Geri Scazzero speaks of the fallout of over-functioning in heJoe<r book, The Emotionally Healthy Woman, and found out first hand the negative impact on her family. She was doing for all of them what they should have been doing themselves, at the expense of her own soul. She ended up depressed, resentful and worn out. She compared herself to Martha in scripture who was in an over-functioning mode, as she got caught up trying to accomplish too much and lost sight of the purpose of welcoming her guests and caring for them.

Many of us might be taking on more responsibility for people than God is asking of us. He may be wanting them to grow through responsibilities that we have rushed in to do. It may even make them feel inadequate, by allowing them to under-function in the things God would use to help them mature in their lives. Children should be given responsibilities beginning at home according to their age, so they can grow and take on bigger things in the future. Too many children are coddled today with all their needs met and when they go out in the real world, they are ill-equipped to do things on their own.

Maybe we all need to also look at our own lives and ask if we have lost focus on our own goals and values because we are so busy over-functioning. Let us only do the work God calls us to do! He will always leave us time to be with Him as with Mary. (Luke 10:38-42)

Challenge for today: Take responsibility for your own life, and don’t become overly responsible for others, lest you keep them from growing.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy