I'm a workaholic

by Alanna
 
Since being married, I've learned more about myself. One thing my husband recently sugested to me is that I'm a workaholic. At first I didn't believe it, but now I'm sure it's true.

Here this always work to do. Every night, I could plan more. I could grade exams. I could sweep the floors, or start dinner, or make tortillas, or start the laundry. But so often those things can wait.

This past week I've been sick, and my husband has been making dinner. I've had to rest. It's good practice for me, to stop thinking about subtraction and how to motivate 4th graders to learn. It's not good to be always a Martha, tempted to judge the Mary's. I need to learn to be still.

Another thing God's been teaching me is how to be still in the working, how to stop and breathe when my hands are busy. I've been reminded by Ann Voskamp, Amy Carmichael, Brother Lawrence, and Paul, to remember eternal things. A quick look up- "Lord, Thou knowest," a deep breath of thanksgiving, a deliberate response of love to one of those many clamoring voices calling "Mrs. Hailu!" Time spent just being with my husband. Talking with people in my breaks at work, rather than planning lessons. I ache to rejoice always, to love better, to put to death my own selfish desires. A dear friend reminded me that we can't just think hard enough to squeeze out this fruit. We have to abide in the Vine, drink deep of Him. These days I pray to practice acknowledging His presence, long for Him to keep me close to Him. When I work and when I rest.