Mary loved to work. She was a classic example of the statement, “If you want something done, ask a busy person.” Her favorite answer to every request for help was “yes,” and she never seemed to run out of time to tackle one more thing.

Every Thursday when she came to my house in Michigan for an evening of fun, she arrived with a list of things she wanted to talk about. (She was efficient and didn’t want to forget anything.)

On her list were questions for me: Are you going to such-and-such a bridal shower? Wanna go in together on a gift? How much should we spend?

My answers initiated her next set of work projects as she quickly volunteered to send the RSVP for both of us, shop for the shower gift, and do the driving when the day came. In all the years we met on Thursdays, not once did I prepare a list of my own. I knew Mary would cover everything on hers.

After we’d talked through the things she wanted to know, she’d say, “So…. do you have any projects I can help you with?”

If I said, “Actually…. I’ve been thinking about transplanting some hostas from the back yard to the front.”

She would jump at it, saying, “Oh, I just love gardening.”

If I mentioned reorganizing the basement she’d say, “I really love to organize stuff.”

If it was painting, she’d say, “Painting is so satisfying.”

The truth was, Mary just loved to work…. whether on her own projects or those of others. It didn’t matter who it was for, when it would happen, or how strenuous the job. She worked hard while injecting enthusiasm into every task.

For many of us it’s easy to rationalize our way out of saying “yes” to the needs of others: “I sure wish I could help you, but I’m awfully busy. Maybe next time.”

I’ve thought a great deal about Mary’s indefatigable willingness to help, and I’ve concluded it was born of a desire to please her heavenly Father. She put all of her time commitments through a grid of, “Is this something God wants me to do?”

If his answer was “yes,” she didn’t worry about finding the extra time or energy she’d need, trusting God to give those things to her. And that system seemed to work well. She also believed Proverbs 14:23 – “In all toil there is profit.”

The good news for the rest of us is that Mary’s system can work for us, too, as long as we start by bringing the Lord into the choices we make for each new 24 hours.

“Commit your activities to the Lord, and your plans will be achieved.” (Proverbs 16:3)