Hello, My Name Is Martha

But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:40-42

When I think of the name Martha, I think of two women: Martha Stewart and Martha, sister of Mary, friend of Jesus. In fact, I imagine that the Martha of the New Testament was similar to Ms. Stewart: efficient, organized, and living in a home without a mote of dust to be found. And while all of these could be considered good things, it was Martha, not Mary, whom Jesus gently admonished.

Lately I’ve been too much Martha and not enough Mary. Life has been so busy that I’ve missed the main course—the joy of simply being, of simply worshiping, of making time to quietly seek my Savior. It is so easy, at least for me, to fall into the Martha trap. I love to help others, to solve problems, to feel useful. It isn’t bad to be a Martha. Marthas are essential. But it is bad to be a Martha all the time, because that’s when I find myself striving out of my own energy and strength. Left to my own devices, being intentionally kind can leave me feeling drained and frustrated, especially when I’m faced with responding kindly to people or to situations that have me feeling decidedly unkind.

So I make sure I’m spending time in Scripture, filling my house with worship music, and praying regularly. Because I have a young family, I often find that those in-between moments in the shower or while I’m driving between activities are perfect moments to spend in prayer or to turn on a favorite worship song. When I spend time in God’s presence, I’m better able to meet the day’s events refreshed and encouraged and with a kind response, regardless of the response I may feel someone deserves.

—Julie

— Today’s Act of Kindness —

Examine your own Mary-Martha balance. If you need to make an adjustment in the amount of time you are spending at the feet of Jesus, take a moment to write down what you are going to change.

From the book