In much of the western world we consider accomplishments and busyness as the standard of a life well lived. The more I accomplish, the busier I am=more money and more prestige I have. There is something culturally powerful in saying “Uh, I’ve been so busy lately.” I’m learning that this standard is (dare I say) even more prevalent in Korean culture. When I ask my friends, “What are you up to these days?” Their response is almost always the same.
“I’ve been busy.”
“I don’t have time.”
“I barely have enough time to sleep! Much less go to church.”
In this culture of work=worth how do I find the balance between busyness and rest?
This is a question I had been wrestling with for awhile. Perhaps it was my insecurity that my job isn’t 9-5 like my friends or that I don’t have a Masters degree or PHD like most Korean people that I felt like I had to prove myself. I let myself fall into the dreaded busyness trap.
I started saying yes to things I didn’t have time for and pushing my social battery to the limits. (Mind you, theres nothing wrong with having a busy schedule once in awhile and sometimes it can’t be helped) But a few 15 hour days later and I was burned out. I thought,
“Ah I’m so tired but isn’t that a good thing? I’m doing this so God can be glorified! Whats wrong with that?”
In doing this I found myself neglecting my personal devotion time in exchange for DOING things for God. I unconsciously let that routine go in exchange for busyness. I’m meeting new people, engaging in the culture and trying to reflect God’s love but at the end of the day, I’m tired, hangry (a word I just taught my Korean friend) and spiritually thirsty…something is wrong here. I suddenly remembered the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10.
“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
I had become Martha! Without that time of rest and devotion I got lost and confused. While doing things for God is good, I should also remember that he just wants me to dwell with him and rest. If I rest with him, I can then give more of myself to others in a way that reflects Jesus love.
Since then I’ve started devoting more consistent time to dwelling with the Lord. I will go for a run and have a devotion by the river, or take time to just be in silence for awhile, or start a new devotional book. These small moments of rest are the powerhouse behind my day.
My prayer is that you also can find a moment to dwell in the Lord during your busy life. I hope that you can have a “Mary moment” and sit at Jesus feet for a while.
“Come with me to a quiet place and get some rest.”
-Mark 6:31
Life Updates:
I’m so happy to say that I was able to get my visa renewed for another year! Praise the Lord!
Doug has officially returned to Michigan and we all miss him…
We had a little going away party at church and it was so amazing to see how he has touched so many lives. I know he will continue to inspire people and share the gospel wherever he lives.
My students threw me a little going away (temporarily) party! It was so kind of them to take time out of their schedule and show their appreciation. This touched my heart so much. I’m so grateful to have these amazing friends!
In about 1 month I’ll be back in the US! I’m so excited to spend time with my family, friends and all of you wonderful supporters. If you are interested in meeting up and chatting please let me know! I’ll be in SC July 15 - August 14th. I hope to see you then!
As I almost cross the finish line of my first year in ministry and living in Korea I reflect back on all the blessings God has given me. It has been so amazing to see how God is working in the churches here. Looking onto the next year of ministry I am so excited for the new opportunities and surprises that await. I’m looking for 5 new monthly financial partners to join me in this journey. I ask that you prayerfully consider coming along with me for this next year in Korea.
With my students <3
Thank you all for your support and prayers! You all have been so generous and I thank God for you always. Until next time! See you in the US!
-Lauren
