EP 028: Leave the Marbles on the Floor: Choosing Presence Over Perfection

### Leave the Marbles on the Floor: Choosing Presence Over Perfection In this episode of **Big Girl Panties & Other Business Essentials**, Amy shares one of the most personal lessons God has been teaching her—not through a business breakthrough or a mountaintop moment, but through a week spent with her children, grandchildren, and a marble set scattered across the floor. But this conversation isn't really about marbles. It's about the quiet tension so many women live with every day: trying to build successful businesses, care for the people we love, manage endless responsibilities, and somehow still be fully present for the moments that matter most. As entrepreneurs, leaders, wives, mothers, and women of faith, it's easy to believe we're serving others by doing more, achieving more, and keeping everything running smoothly. Yet somewhere along the way, responsibility can quietly become distraction, and productivity can begin to steal our presence. For faith-driven entrepreneurs, this episode is a gentle but powerful invitation to slow down. Rooted in the story of Mary and Martha, Amy explores the difference between serving from a place of peace and serving from a place of striving. She reminds us that God never asked us to choose between meaningful work and meaningful relationships—but He does call us to keep Him first, creating margin for the people He's entrusted to us and the moments we'll never get back. If you've ever found yourself feeling overwhelmed, stretched too thin, or wondering if you're missing the life you've worked so hard to build, this episode will encourage you to pause, breathe, and rediscover what matters most. Because sometimes the dishes can wait. The emails can wait. Even the marbles can wait. *The most beautiful thing you'll ever create isn't a perfect life. It's a life where the people you love feel truly seen.* ### In This Episode You'll Learn - Why responsibility can quietly become the biggest distraction from what matters most. - The difference between having Martha's busy hands and cultivating Mary's attentive heart. - How busyness, perfectionism, and productivity can rob us of God's peace. - Why creating margin is essential for healthy leadership, relationships, and spiritual growth. - The simple practice that allows you to lead your business without sacrificing your presence. - How to recognize the "marble set moments" God places in your everyday life. - Why stillness isn't wasted time—it's where God strengthens your soul for the work He's called you to do. ### 3 Key Takeaways **1. Presence Is More Valuable Than Perfection** The most meaningful moments in life aren't found in perfectly prepared meals, spotless homes, or completed to-do lists. They're found when we choose to be fully present with the people God has entrusted to us. Like Jesus reminded Martha, "only one thing is needed." (Luke 10:41–42) **2. Stillness Isn't a Luxury—It's a Necessity** Our culture celebrates busyness, but God calls us to stillness. When we intentionally pause to spend time with Him, we gain the peace, clarity, and perspective needed to lead our businesses, serve our families, and love others well. (Psalm 46:10) **3. You Can't Pour from an Empty Soul** Whether you're building a business, raising a family, or leading a team, lasting impact begins in God's presence. Jesus doesn't ask us to come after everything is finished—He simply says, "Come to me." (Matthew 11:28) ### Scripture Referenced in This Episode **Luke 10:41–42:** "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better..." **Psalm 46:10:** "Be still, and know that I am God." **Matthew 11:28:** "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." ### Why This Episode Matters The world celebrates women who can do it all. Build the business. Lead the team. Care for the family. Keep the house. Never miss a deadline. But God isn't asking us to become better at doing more. He's inviting us to become better at being present. In a culture that rewards hustle and constant productivity, this episode reminds us that success isn't measured by everything we accomplish—it's measured by whether we're fully present for the people and moments God has placed in front of us. Through the story of Mary and Martha, Amy encourages us to pursue Martha's capable hands with Mary's attentive heart, leading with excellence while refusing to let busyness steal our peace, our joy, or our relationships. If you've been feeling exhausted, distracted, or worried that you're missing the moments that matter most, this conversation will gently lead you back to God's presence—and remind you that sometimes the holiest thing you can do is leave the marbles on the floor. **So here's the question:** *What "marbles" in your life are keeping you from experiencing the moments God never intended for you to miss?*   #ChristianEntrepreneur #FaithAndBusiness #WomenInBusiness #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessLeadership #CreativeEntrepreneur #ChristianWomen #PresenceOverPerfection #MaryAndMartha #LeadershipGrowth #WorkLifeBalance #BeStill #PurposeDrivenLife #ChristianLeadership #BigGirlPantiesPodcast