I Accomplished More by Doing Less

I Accomplished More by Doing Less

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." — Matthew 11:28

"What are you doing here?” I smiled, because I knew my answer was not what many would expect. After years in an exhausting and stressful job, I retired—not because I had nothing left to give, but because I had completed what was entrusted to me. My children had graduated, my duty as a provider was fulfilled.

Throughout my many years in church I had served in various ministries.

Now, I continue to serve—but without the weight of doing everything. 

Like Mary, who sat at Jesus’ feet while Martha was busy serving (Luke 10:42), I have learned that the best thing is not always doing, but being—being present, being at peace, and being in tune with God’s grace.

By doing less, I have accomplished more.


I have come to know God in a deeper, more personal way.

I have learned more of the true meaning of the rest that Jesus calls us to.

I have seen many others step up and grow in their calling.

I have found more joy in simple moments, unburdened by busyness.


Chuck Swindoll, in Grace Awakening, puts it well: “God is not impressed with our religious efforts. He’s not interested in how much we do for Him, but in how much we enjoy Him.” That truth has freed me. I no longer measure my faithfulness by how much I take on. Instead, I focus on what truly matters—serving where God leads and resting where He grants rest.

So, what am I doing here? I am still serving, still growing, still making an impact— I have found that by doing less, I have accomplished more.

Lord, teach me to embrace Your grace, to serve where You lead, and to rest in the assurance that You are always at work. Amen.