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How I Started the Year Successfully

I’m not working the first week of the new year.

Well, actually I am working. I’m writing a message for Sunday, I’m replying to dozens of emails, texts and phone calls, I’m thinking, processing, and dreaming about the new year.

I’m not in the office. Normally on this week there would be dozens of meetings. I’d begin implementing the plans I dreamed of over the month of December. I am a “hit the ground running” kind of guy.

But, instead, I’m on a “retreat” with my youngest son Nate. And, I’ll admit, it’s fun!

I’m at Passion Conference, a gathering of 44,000 mostly 18 to 25 year olds whose primary purpose is worshipping Jesus!

And, I’m not disappointed. I actually hope this is representative of my year.

I realize some would need no encouragement to do something like this to start the year, but you see, I don’t sit still very well. I’m more of a doer than a beโ€ฆer. (Couldn’t find a way to write that word without you thinking it was an alcoholic beverage.) I struggle to rest in Christ. I’m more like Martha than I am like Mary. (Luke 10:38-42) I’d rather be doing something for Christ. Worship, as much as I want my life defined by it, is often pushed to the side for other, more “tangible” projects. (Sorry, just being honest.)

This year:

  • I want my life defined more by devotion than by duty.
  • I want to meditate on God’s Word as much as I study or even teach God’s Word.
  • I want to praise more than I produce.

So, while this may seem like an unproductive start to the new year, I hope it’s the beginning of my most productive year ever. Hopefully, the older I get, the better I’m defining productivity.

How about you? Are you more like Martha or Mary?

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Ron Edmondson

Author Ron Edmondson

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Join the discussion 22 Comments

  • Peter P says:

    This year I want to be either Mary or Martha.

    Last year I was neither.

    Sadly.

  • Ron,

    I was just having this conversation online with a friend, about how hard it is to just … be … still. Honestly? When I open my eyes in the morning, my brain is already skipping out the bedroom door, and I feel like I have to run all day just to catch up with it.

    I’ve made a lot of to-do lists in my life. I’ve been working on creating more to-be lists. I wanna be a be…er, too. ๐Ÿ™‚

    If I haven’t already said so, I’m really glad your voice is part of TheHighCalling.org network. It’s great to have you in community. You’re a blessing.

    Shine on, brother.

    – Jennifer @ Getting Down With Jesus
    Contributing Editor (Family) for TheHighCalling.org

  • Kari Scare
    Twitter:
    says:

    While I see both Mary and Martha within myself, I am dominantly a Mary. One of my goals for this year is to be a better balance of the two. Now, I don't believe balance is necessarily that both sides will be equal. I believe that balance is to find the right Martha/Mary mix for who I am. In other words, my Martha side is not going to look like anyone else's, and that's okay. Same with my Mary side. I'm going to do and be how God created me to do and be.

  • I think this is something we all struggle with. I believe it stems from our natural desire to do in order to be approved. It's legalism and moralism at its core. Remembering that we are accepted as we are, forgiven as we are, loved as we are – not because of us but because of Christ – that frees us up to express our praise and love to him not only in those still moments but also in the moments of work and love for others.

  • Rich says:

    Yep…I had a friend tell me recently that I needed to focus more on becoming than on doing. I'm not sure how to do that for the life of me, with a wife+ four kids + a church plant + + +. I get the sense of what you're describing in how you want to describe your life this year (the three points). How does that work out practically? I hope the Lord gives you some clarity to share with us this year.
    Oh, I love that you are not working the first week in Jan. I think I can implement that one 2013 ๐Ÿ™‚

    • ronedmondson says:

      It's certainly a work in progress for me. One way I do it is to schedule everything….everything. I especially did this when I was in your stage of life. That way, scheduling down time becomes a part of my "Martha" complex, not something that seems extraordinary. I'll process this more and share.

  • "I want to praise more than I produce." – Well said. Me too! Have fun, Ron.

  • CoachSteveNY says:

    What a gift you're giving your son and others around you. You're a Leader.

    • ronedmondson says:

      Thanks Steve!

    • Melissa says:

      Looking at the photograph is a fantastic message in itself…what a large crowd of young people and NOT at a sporting event (no offense, love sports but…).

      Just think if more would spend time with sons or daughters, moms or dads.

      I'm more like Martha, often times too busy with busy…but strive to be more like Martha…to quietly 'sit' with Jesus.

      Thank you Ron for the continued positive visions of goodness and mercy in our everchanging world..

  • Ron! To be frank, I too have the struggle in being like Mary rather than Martha in the fast-paced world. I was even recommended by one of my friends to read the book "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World: Finding Intimacy With God in the Busyness of Life " by Joanna Weaver. But somehow, I was not able to read it.
    But, with the grace of God, I am able to sense the importance of seeking His Kingdom first in this world. And, I am getting better day by day.

    Also, I believe that there is nothing wrong in beginning the year with a retreat. Moreover, one of the greatest blessings of our Christian life is that we are entitled to praise and worship him with all our heart and mind at all times.
    I pray that God will use you mightily to bring more and more people into the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Even though I am not physically near you to provide you any support/ help, I am still having the privilege to pray for you (and many other mighty servants of God).

    • ronedmondson says:

      Thanks Uma for the encouragement. Those of us wired this way must recognize it and discipline ourselves around it.

    • ronedmondson says:

      You read great books. Thanks for the encouragement Uma.

  • That's awesome, Ron! I'm looking to find the tension between Mary and Martha, myself. More than balance, I want to understand my rhythm in life. You can't always have everything in perfect balance because it's just not sustainable.

    I'd rather understand where I am in each season of my life and move in rhythm to it accordingly.

    Happy New Year!

    • ronedmondson says:

      That's true and great insight Tony. The rhythm is important. Happy New Year to you!