Lagom

Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:13

Lagom is a Swedish word that means: The principle of living a balanced, moderately paced, low-fuss life.

We all need more “Lagom”. So many of us are stressed from a variety of causes, some of our own making. We complicate the simple things and invite stress into situations that we could otherwise simplify.

I love the following verses.

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.” Luke 10:40-42

It was as if Jesus was telling Martha just to throw together some sandwiches and join Mary in listening to what really mattered. Yet we all can sympathize with Martha as we have been just like her at some point in our lives, missing out on the essential due to focusing intently on the non-essential.  We stress and worry over things that just don't matter much in the big picture.

Sitting down and getting quiet before the Lord would do us all a great deal of good as he has much to teach us. Too often in prayer we go to the Lord with a barrage of worries and a load of cares that leave us unbalanced and robbed of peace.

Slowing down, simplifying our lives, would not only put our lives back into balance, it would restore our peace of mind and restore our perspective. We need Lagom.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to be more like Mary and less like Martha with the priorities in our life. Teach us and give us peace as we refocus upon You. Amen.