Don’t Want to Waste My Life | Faith & Purpose
I don’t want to waste my life! Have you ever felt that way when your days are so full of responsibilities that you wonder whether you’re missing what really matters?
As women, we often juggle family responsibilities, work, ministry, household chores, and the dreams God has placed on our hearts. Sometimes we’re so busy doing good things that we begin to feel disconnected from what matters most.
In this week’s episode of Rooted & Rested, I’m sharing a personal experience from our lavender farm that caused me to think differently about purpose, disappointment, and the pressure to accomplish everything.
It all started with forgotten grocery bags and a thistle growing among my lavender and lamb’s ear!
A Lesson From a Thistle in the Lavender
While heading out for groceries, I had to turn around and return home. That’s when I noticed a large thistle growing in my flower bed.
The plant looked intimidating, but when I pulled it out, I was surprised by how shallow its roots were. Recent rain had softened the soil, and the entire plant came out easily.
That simple moment made me think about the beliefs we sometimes allow to take root in our hearts.
Beliefs like:
- I’m not doing enough.
- My past failures define my future.
- I’m falling behind in life.
- Maybe my dreams will never become reality.
- My life only matters if I accomplish something significant.
Sometimes those beliefs seem deeply rooted, but God’s truth can help us recognize and challenge them.
Romans 8:31 reminds us:
“If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Our disappointments are not proof that God has abandoned us.
Mary and Martha: When Good Things Become Distractions
In Luke 10:38–42, Martha was busy serving while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet.
Martha’s responsibilities were real, and her service mattered. Yet Jesus gently reminded her that she was anxious and troubled about many things.
How often do we find ourselves in that same position?
We can become so consumed with responsibilities, even good and worthwhile ones, that we lose sight of the importance of spending time with the Lord.
The story of Mary and Martha reminds us that being busy isn’t the same as being present, and productivity isn’t the measure of a meaningful life.
Finding Purpose Without the Pressure to Do Everything
What does it mean to live a life of purpose as a Christian woman?
It doesn’t necessarily mean accomplishing something extraordinary, building a successful business, or completing every project on our list.
Our identity is found in Christ, not in our accomplishments.
Ephesians 2:8–10 reminds us that we are saved by grace and created in Christ Jesus for good works.
We can faithfully pursue the opportunities God gives us while remembering that His love is not dependent on our success.
And sometimes living intentionally means recognizing that we cannot do everything.
Learning to Receive God’s Grace and Direction
My word for this year is RECEIVE.
And I’m discovering how difficult receiving can be when my natural tendency is to keep doing, planning, creating, and trying harder.
But God invites us to trust Him, seek His wisdom, and rest in His presence.
Psalm 90:12 says:
“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”
What a beautiful prayer for those of us who don’t want to waste the lives we’ve been given.
Instead of asking only, How can I get everything done? perhaps we can begin asking:
Lord, what matters most today?
Scripture References
- Luke 10:38–42 — Mary and Martha: choosing what matters most
- Romans 8:31 — God is for us
- Mark 9:24 — “I believe; help my unbelief!”
- Ephesians 2:8–10 — Saved by grace, created for good works
- Psalm 90:12 — Learning to number our days with wisdom
A Little Lavender Reminder
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or uncertain about your purpose, remember that your life matters to God right where you are.
You don’t have to accomplish everything to live meaningfully.
Take a moment this week to slow down, spend time with the Lord, and consider what truly deserves your attention.
You are not forgotten. You are remembered by God, rooted in Him, and invited to rest in His presence.