We had a sweet friend and her adorable son staying with us this weekend. I casually said, in between cleaning-up different things scattered around the house, that I am conflicted sometimes between serving my family well as the Lord has called me to do and spending time with the Lord even if the house is a complete mess. She said, "Oh yeah. The whole Mary and Martha thing." I said yes and kind of shrugged it off, not really taking to heart what exactly was being revealed. As this week has continued, I have been reminded of the conversation often. Let me give you the passage she was referring to:
Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42
As I took the time to read through that passage today, I was hit right square between the eyes. I am Martha.
Being a mom of two toddlers (I can't say toddler and baby anymore...), my day is cluttered with activities and me running around the house, usually doing some sort of clean-up or making sure the kids are engaged in an educational activity (and not just sitting in front of the tv for the billionth time that day); checking things off my mental to-do list to make sure we have had an accomplished day. To make sure I have served my family well. I am so caught up with getting things done, that I am not taking time to sit at the feet of God and listen to what He has to say. God has given us His Word in Scripture. I know this is a repeat of Sam's post last week, but it is such a wonderful truth:
The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. Psalm 19:7-10
Instead of doing what I think is serving my family, or even what I think is serving the Lord by serving my family, I first need to sit down and take time to read what He has given us. His word is perfect, trustworthy, right, radiant, firm, precious, and sweet. This is what my day should be filled with. This is where my affections should be. Not with stressing whether the house is clean or the to-do list is done, but with sitting before the Lord and just listening. Jesus tells Martha that one thing is necessary: to sit and be in His presence. Nothing else matters - no to-do lists, no accomplished days; just to sit and be still and to listen. It's hard sometimes to do this. Especially when kids are screaming, dinner is burning, and the laundry is piling up. Some days this looks like getting up early or staying awake during naptime; other days this is me reading The Jesus Storybook Bible out loud to the kids. I have hope Jesus meets me even in those crazy moments of the day.
I am Martha, but I am striving to be Mary.
Sweet Family Updates:
Jahnabell is on the move! She is a petite little thing - 5th percentile for height. She is a big eater and uses a spoon all by herself! She loves putting everything into her mouth (I mean everything). And she loves babies. Such a sweet little girl! Sawyer turned three this week! I cannot believe it. I feel like we brought him home yesterday. He is 3 feet tall and looks more like a little boy than a toddler every day. He received some board games for his birthday and loves them! It's so fun to see him engage in games.
Sam and I had our first Oral Assessment last week and we both survived! Our weeks are busy, but they are good. We appreciate your prayers and support as we continue to learn more and more about our great God.
