Martha welcomed (Jesus) into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha; you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part...” Luke 10:38-40 (NKJV)
Now that you’ve begun your “quest” to be more organized, it’s time to be reminded of something more important than your home…
people. In Luke 10:38-40, Martha was so busy in trying to make things “perfect” that she forgot WHO was there! Jesus was there in
her home, visiting her and her sister, and in her “quest” to have everything
perfect, she was missing an opportunity to sit with the Son of God!
Mary sat to listen, but Martha had other plans... she had a
“list“. You know, a schedule, a “to do” list, routine… whatever you might call it in
your life, Martha had one too, and she wasn’t putting it off
just because she had company. In fact, she became even
more intent on getting it all done while Jesus was there! Wouldn’t want the company to see a mess and think she was lazy! (Sound familiar?) She may have had good intentions, but when things started to go “against HER plans” she lost focus on what was
really important.
While it’s important not to lose the ambition to get the things done on the “list” that you’ve made to get organized, it’s even
more important not to forget that life still happens. It will not stop, or even slow down and wait until you’ve gotten your life in order. You are in the
process of getting things organized. In that process, don’t get so caught up in “getting it all done” that you forget what’s important... The friend on the phone needing companionship... The friend at the door wanting fellowship... The precious life of children asking to be held... The man of your dreams home earlier than you‘d anticipated... Don’t look at these moments that stop you from your mission of cleanliness, but as
gifts from God. You can choose how you will look at these interruptions and they will be missed opportunities if you choose to get too wrapped up in
your list.
It took time to get to the state of “chaos“ that you’re in right now, and it will take time to get out of it. Don’t get yourself worked up. It’s a work in process, just like you are. Look at your mess as the Father looks at you. See the potential and how wonderful it will be when it’s all done, but until then, don’t forget to still be touched by the blessings God choosing to send your way each day. He sends them
not to discourage you, but to give you hope and remind you what’s
truly important.
Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Please help me to get done the things that You want me to accomplish for the day and help me to handle any interruptions to my schedule in a manner that is pleasing to You. Give me peace in knowing that I will “get it all done” but only in Your timing. I pray that through this process I will not take the people in my life for granted, or the precious moments that I have to spend with them, and when I begin to loose that focus, I pray that You would remind me of the story of Martha and Mary. Please help me to be like Mary, not Martha, and chose Jesus over the house cleaning. Remind me that my mess will be here tomorrow, but the people in my life may not. Thank You for the precious lives and relationships You’ve blessed me with.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
© 2004 Amy Verlennich
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