The story of Mary and Martha is one that many women (and men) can relate to. I know I can. It’s something I have often struggled with and still do. My mind always seems to be thinking of all the endless house cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping and all the other tasks that need to be completed before the day is up.
It’s endless. You may get everything done for the today and you can finally sit down and enjoy a clean house but how long is it going to last? I know between my kids and my dog, it’s about 90 seconds. Then I am on repeat and throw my arms up and ask myself why I even bother. You find that you’re exhausted and any ounce of joy you had has vanished.
There is always something to do but what if we can make these tasks feel less like a burdened chore? What if we can have joy and peace throughout our day?
I know you are wondering, how do we do we find the balance between our inner Mary and Martha? Let’s take a look at the story found in Luke 10:38-42:
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“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, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Does this sound like you at times? Have you ever just wanted your family to help you with the dirty dishes in the sink or the piles of dirty clothes? I know that the endless housework, grocery shopping, taking kids to practice and games in addition to your 40 hour work week is so consuming that we often forget to take care of our self. We get too busy running from place to place, thing to thing and checking off each item on our to do list that we forget to breathe and stop and smell the roses. We end up feeling overwhelmed, frazzled, and upset and when it’s all said and done we’ve been robbed of our joy.
Jesus himself said, “You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better and, it will not be taken from her.”
So, what did Mary do? She stopped. She put aside all distractions even if the tasks at hand were not completed. She sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. Was Mary upset and worried? No, she chose what was best and allowed time to sit, be still, and listen to Jesus.
Have you ever noticed that when you do spend time with Jesus, reading your Bible and praying that the day just goes smoother? There may be an issue that arises but you are better equipped to handle what has been thrown your way and at the end of the day, everything sorts itself out with you worrying and fretting about it.
Jesus rewards us for being still and spending time with Him. He provides our hearts exactly what we need for the day ahead of us and allows us to smell the roses and taste His goodness. When you allow your inner Mary more time with the one who desires to spend time with you and wants what is best for you, He will give you joy and peace throughout your day.
The How To Steps:
- Set aside time in the morning to spend reading your Bible, praying, and talking to Jesus. It’s important to do this before your start your day doing anything else.
- Put aside any distractions.
- Read God’s word, Listen to Him and talk with Him.
- Be still and know that He is God.
When you allow your inner Mary more time with Jesus, our fleshly Martha ways become less frazzling and discouraging. You are then refreshed and ready to conquer your day.
Even if it’s 15 minutes you will be refreshed and start growing in your relationship with Jesus. You will begin to see His goodness in your life, even the smallest details! You will desire more and more of Him and you will see that more joy has been placed in your heart.
Xoxo,
Hannah B.
Collective Circle Gathering 