When my mind won’t slow down.
A devotional shared by Dori D.
Meet Dori del Rio-Hunn. Originally from Puerto Rico, Dori's journey has taken her across Europe and the United States, eventually bringing her to Chicago, where she lives with her husband, Chip. An architect by profession, she has a passion for creating meaningful spaces that bring people together and tell stories through design.
Beyond architecture, Dori has a heart for serving others. She's a worship leader at City Church Chicago and enjoys mentoring young girls interested in pursuing careers in architecture. When she's not designing or serving, you'll likely find her tending to her growing collection of plants!
With a love for creativity, community, and meaningful connection, Dori brings a thoughtful perspective to both her work and her walk with Jesus.
SCRIPTURE
Luke 10:38–42
Supporting Scripture: Philippians 3:7–8
Today’s Encouragement
Have you ever reached the end of a busy day and realized that although you've been moving nonstop, your mind still hasn't slowed down?
I know I have. Between work, church, family, and the endless responsibilities of everyday life, it's easy to feel like there's always something else demanding our attention. Even when we finally have a moment to rest, our minds can still be racing through everything left undone.
I often return to the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38–42. Something that stands out to me is that Martha was the one who welcomed Jesus into her home. She wanted to serve Him and prepare everything just right. But somewhere in the preparations, she became so distracted by what needed to be done that she missed the opportunity to enjoy His presence.
When Martha expressed her frustration, Jesus gently reminded her that she was worried and upset about many things, but only one thing was necessary.
Mary had chosen to sit at His feet, listen, and simply be with Him.
How often do we find ourselves in Martha's position? We welcome Jesus into our lives, but our thoughts become so consumed with responsibilities, expectations, and even good things that we forget to pause and acknowledge His presence.
In Philippians 3:7–8, Paul reminds us of the surpassing value of knowing Christ. Our greatest treasure isn't found in what we accomplish or how productive we are. It's found in knowing Jesus.
God has given us gifts, talents, and meaningful work to do. But those things were never meant to replace our relationship with Him.
I'm learning that when my mind won't slow down, making room for Jesus doesn't necessarily mean adding another task to my day. Sometimes it means stepping away from everything competing for my attention and choosing to sit quietly with Him.
To listen. To be still. To remember that before all my responsibilities and expectations, I am His daughter.
So when the worries of everyday life begin filling your mind, I want to encourage you to pause. You don't have to finish everything on your list before spending time with Jesus.
He's already present, and sometimes what our hearts need most is simply to sit at His feet.
A Moment to Reflect
What responsibilities or worries have been occupying so much of your mind that it's become difficult to slow down and spend time with Jesus?
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Thank You for making us people with purpose, for the gifts and talents You've given us, and for the good works You've prepared for us to do.
I pray that in the middle of our busy lives, we wouldn't become so distracted by everything we need to accomplish that we forget to keep You at the forefront of our minds and hearts.
Holy Spirit, remind us when busyness begins to consume our attention. Give us the strength and courage to step away from the distractions, slow down, and simply sit at Your feet.
Remind us that we are Your daughters and that spending time in Your presence is more valuable than anything we could accomplish. Help us treasure knowing You above all else.
Thank You, Lord, for Your presence and for the invitation to simply be with You.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
