Hey there, Mama 🤎

I recently took my daughter to the orthodontist, and y'all, it's an awesome place. She's the third person in our household to get braces from this office, so we're basically family at this point. LOL!

Normally, I go to the back with her. It's what moms do, right? But this time, I decided to pause and make this mommy duty work for me too.

You see, this orthodontist's office has an entire section just for self-care. A place for you. There's free coffee (hot or iced), and then a room with three or four massage chairs. Wow!

So I gladly sent my daughter to the back for her exam all by herself (mind you, I knew she was safe) and I enjoyed 25 minutes of relaxing and getting a massage. And these were not your average middle-of-the-mall massage chairs. The one I sat in had pressure settings for my legs and arms, leaned me all the way back, and had a heating option. I mean all the bells and whistles.

I was proud of myself for taking the opportunity to rest, even in the middle of mommy duty. I even made a little reel about it. LOL!. You can check it out here.

---

Devotion: The Best Self-Care

Scripture

"And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."— Luke 10:41-42 KJV​

In this story, two sisters, Mary and Martha, opened their home to Jesus and His disciples.Can you imagine the work that went into preparing You know how we do.

Hurry up and clean, guests are coming over!

Wipe down the counters.

Tidy up extra good.

Bring out the best dishes (or the paper plates, if you're like me).

And honestly? I understand. They wanted everything to be perfect for Jesus, and rightfully so. But in the middle of hosting duty, Mary made a different choice.

If this were modern day, I can imagine there were still dishes in the sink. Maybe some crumbs on the table. Still plenty left to do. But instead of rushing around, multitasking, fellowshipping, and cleaning all at the same time, Mary simply paused.

She sat at the feet of Jesus. And Jesus called that "the good part."

Notice that He didn't scold Mary for resting. He didn't tell her to get back to the kitchen. He told Martha, gently, that she was careful and troubled about many things.

Mama, that phrase hits home, doesn't it?

Careful and troubled about the appointments, the laundry, the meals, the schedules, the expectations, and the list that never seems to end. But Jesus reminds us that only one thing is needful.

Him.

Sitting at His feet is the best self-care we could ever do. It's not selfish. It's not lazy. It's not wasted time.

A massage chair might loosen your shoulders (and I highly recommend it 😄), but time with Jesus restores your soul. And here's the beautiful promise: that good part will not be taken away from you.

The dishes will get done eventually. The crumbs can wait.

But the peace you find in His presence? That stays.

---

Take a Moment to Reflect

Take a moment to reflect:

Ask yourself:

• Where am I being "careful and troubled about many things" right now?
• What would it look like to pause and sit at Jesus' feet, even for five minutes, in the middle of my busy day?
• Have I been treating rest as a reward I have to earn, or as an invitation from God?

Pray: Lord, thank you for being my good part. In the midst of my busyness, help me to pause and engage with you, and always remember, that it is those moments, moments that I choose you, they will never be taken away from mer.

Hope and Encouragement for the Weary Mom As moms, we carry so much on our shoulders. We want the best for our children and naturally step into the role of nurturer—providing food, clothing, love, guidance, and as much quality time as possible. We want to give them the best that we can. And yet, in the middle of doing our best, we sometimes fall short. But be encouraged, there is hope. Read the full blog here.

---

Mom Tips: For Making Space for The Good Part

🤍 Look for the pause hiding in your day. A waiting room, a car line, or a exam appointment can become a moment to breathe and pray.

🤍 Let someone else carry a task. Your child can handle a little independence, and you can handle a little rest.

🤍 Start with five minutes. Set a timer, put on worship music, and sit at His feet before the day gets loud.

🤍 Leave the dishes for a moment. Not everything has to be done before you can rest.

🤍 Treat yourself when the opportunity shows up. A free coffee and a massage chair count as a blessing. Receive it without guilt. 😉

---

Faith-Filled Affirmation For the Week

"Today I choose the good part. I am allowed to pause, and I do not have to earn rest. As I sit at the feet of Jesus, He restores my soul, quiets my worry, and fills me with His peace. The work will still be there, but so will He."

---

Closing Encouragement

Remember, You don't have to do it all at once or have the perfect house, the perfect plate, or the perfect schedule.

You don't have to wait until everything is finished to sit down with Jesus.

Whatever "mommy duty" is calling your name today, I hope you'll find your own little pause in the middle of it. Maybe it's a quiet moment in prayer, maybe it's a hot cup of coffee, and maybe (if you're lucky) it's a massage chair. 😄

Because you are deeply loved.

You are not valued for how much you accomplish. And the best part is always waiting for you at His feet.

This week, I pray you'll trade hurry for stillness, striving for rest, and worry for the peace only God can give.

With love and encouragement,
Karen 🤎

---

---

More ways to connect with Karen :

🤎Follow me on my private practice Instagram or TikTok​

Additional Resources:

🤎Check out the Restored & Renewed Course where I'm featured as an instructor along with my Wellness Coach, Janetta Olaseni RN, HN-BC, CHHP, CHC, CCM, and other Christian women & moms.

🤎Are you a to-do list girl? Check out this Daily CHECK list to track your wins!