Who Feels Stretched Thin

While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.

MY MOM AND I BOTH LOVE the movie The Fellowship of the Ring. You’ve probably seen or at least heard of it. It’s part of The Lord of the Rings series. In the film, a group of friends set out on a mission to stop evil, but it requires their combined efforts and strength. At the beginning of the journey, as the burden of the mission passes from one generation to the next, a kind old man sits down in a chair and tells his friend, “I feel thin, sort of stretched like butter scraped over too much bread. I need a holiday. A very long holiday.”^a

I was much younger when I first saw this movie, but as I have aged, those words resonate deeply in my own heart. I, too, feel stretched thin. I feel like there’s not enough of me to cover all that needs to be done.

Every day mommas wake up and start over. Sometimes the night slips right into the morning with no break in between. We use our strength and love to take care of all our family’s needs. We don’t keep anything in reserve. We pour out our care and concern for our family in a myriad of ways.

The Bible records the story of a woman who showed her love for Jesus by pouring out a precious jar of expensive perfume on His head as He reclined at a dinner table. Not everyone was moved by her extravagant gesture. “When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. ‘Why this waste?’ they asked” (Matthew 26:8). The disciples should have known better, but they complained that the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor. Only Jesus knew that what this woman had done was more than an act of sacrifice—it was part of the preparation for His coming crucifixion: “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me” (Matthew 26:10-11).

Momma, not everyone will understand that you are happy to give your best to your children. They may think that you could pour out your life someplace better while bringing in more financial resources for your family. But the Lord values the extravagant love that others may consider a waste of your time and talents. In fact, He can supernaturally increase what you offer to those you love.

You and I may feel stretched thin, but when we remember the arms of Jesus stretched on Calvary’s cross, we remember that extravagant love always comes at an extravagant price. When you feel spread thin, the Lord will make up the difference by giving you His strength and filling you with His love.

Tonight we pray for the momma who feels stretched thin. Lord, every day presents a new set of challenges, and she does her best to face each one as it comes. But sometimes she feels like a blanket that can’t quite cover everyone who needs her. Lord, she needs Your help tonight. Remind her that You shield her and her family. Strengthen her and fill her with hope.

We ask in Jesus’s name, amen.

Lord Jesus, please provide in these places where I feel spread thin...