Finding Peace in the Presence of Jesus:

Every day feels like I'm walking a tightrope without a safety net, juggling my dreams, my family, and the expectations of the world. It’s like trying to bake a soufflé while herding a bunch of cats; one wrong move, and everything could fall apart. I don’t have it all figured out. There are days when I feel like I’m barely keeping it together, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But through it all, I find strength in knowing that it’s not up to me to control everything. I might not have all the answers, but God does, and He’s the one who calls the shots.

I’ve learned that connecting with other women, sharing my struggles, and hearing their stories is one of the most life-giving things I can do. Whether it’s laughing with a friend, talking with my best friends, or supporting a coworker, those moments remind me that I’m not alone. We’re all in this together, just doing our best to navigate life, imperfect as we are.

My journey, like every woman’s, is full of highs and lows. There are mornings when I feel like I’ve got it all together, and others when I feel like I’m running on empty and there is no gas station in sight. Every day brings its challenges, whether it’s trying to balance work and home life or dealing with unexpected obstacles. But I know that it’s not about being perfect, it’s about showing up with faith and trusting that God is leading me through it.

In the midst of the chaos, I find joy in the small things, my daughter and her father goofing off in the kitchen, a quiet drive home from work, or simply getting through a tough day, being able to check a few things off my list. These little moments remind me that God is with me in the everyday, offering grace when I stumble.

I also know that being vulnerable is a powerful thing. I don’t have to have it all together. I’m learning to admit when I need help or when I’m feeling stretched thin. It’s okay to not be okay all the time. And when I open up, it allows others to do the same, creating deeper connections rooted in honesty and grace.

By sharing my story, I hope to encourage others, especially the next generation of women. I want them to know that they don’t have to be perfect, they just need to trust in God’s plan and keep moving forward with faith. Every step I take, no matter how small, is part of a bigger story that God is writing for me.

When we celebrate the everyday experiences of women, we honor our strength, our imperfections, and the way God works in and through us. Every story shared, every connection made, every small victory, it all becomes part of the legacy of faith and hope we’re building together. Let’s continue to support one another, knowing that we don’t have to be perfect to make a difference.

One story that really speaks to me is the one about Mary and Martha when Jesus visited their home. It’s a reminder that I don’t have to do everything perfectly; what matters is my heart and my willingness to follow God’s lead. In Luke 10:38-42, Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet, soaking in His words, while Martha ran around, busy with preparations. It makes me think about how I balance my life, between doing and being still before God.

When Jesus arrived at their home, Martha immediately started preparing everything. But Mary sat quietly at His feet, listening to Him. Martha, feeling overwhelmed by the work, asked Jesus if He cared that Mary wasn’t helping. Jesus gently told her that Mary had chosen what was better by prioritizing time with Him. This moment reminds me that it’s okay to step back and rest in God’s presence, even when there’s so much to do.

Sitting at Jesus' feet isn’t just about being still physically, it’s about being still in my heart, too. Mary’s choice teaches me to listen deeply to God’s Word, even in the midst of chaos. To prioritize spiritual nourishment over endless busyness an to find peace by being present with God, not by rushing through tasks. This act of sitting with Jesus, even when life is pulling me in a million directions, helps me slow down and remember that He’s in control.

Martha’s focus on tasks is understandable, when you’re hosting someone as important as Jesus, it makes sense to want everything perfect. But her frustration shows me how easily I can lose sight of what matters when I get caught up in my own efforts. It’s easy to think that my productivity or my success defines me, but in the end, it’s God’s presence and peace that truly matter. Martha’s experience reminds me to not let tasks or responsibilities take over my time with God. To find joy in serving, not frustration and to keep my eyes on what truly matters, God and His will, amidst the craziness of my life. Balancing action and stillness is crucial to staying grounded in my faith. Without that balance, I risk burning out or losing sight of the peace that only God can provide. Finding peace in God’s presence is possible, even when everything feels overwhelming.

A few simple ways I try to cultivate that peace are by setting aside daily quiet time for prayer and Bible reading, creating a distraction-free space where I can focus on God, listening more than I speak during my quiet time with Him. Just simply taking time to pause and just be still with Jesus, even in the middle of a busy day. I like to reflect on verses that remind me to trust and rest in God. These small habits help me slow down and remember that it’s not about how much I do, it’s about being present with God.

Both Mary and Martha show me important lessons. Mary teaches me the importance of resting in God’s presence, while Martha shows me the value of serving others. The key is balance. To serve with a heart rooted in peace, not stress. Take time to recharge spiritually before and during service, and remember that being with Jesus is what fuels everything else

When I find this balance, my service becomes a reflection of God’s love, not just a list of tasks. If I’m feeling like Martha, overwhelmed by responsibilities, I try to remember Jesus’ gentle reminder to Martha. He invites me to choose what is better: to rest in Him, to pause, and to just be still. That peace is what helps me through my busy life. It helps me identify moments when I need to stop and listen to God, to let go of perfectionism and embrace His grace, and to trust that God values my presence more than my productivity. This shifts my perspective and transforms how I approach both my daily life and my faith. I don’t have to have it all together, because He does. And He’s got me.

Prayer: Heavenly Father,

I come to You feeling stretched and overwhelmed. Life feels like a balancing act, and I often feel like I’m not enough. But I know that You are perfect, and I don’t need to be. Help me slow down and find peace in Your presence. Like Mary, teach me to listen and rest in You, and like Martha, help me serve with a heart full of love, not stress.

Guide me to trust that You are in control, that my worth is found in You, not in what I do. Give me the balance to know when to work and when to rest, and remind me that Your grace is enough.

Thank you for walking with me every step of the way. I place my trust in You.

In Jesus' name, Amen.