Luke 10:38-42 (NIV)

At the Home of Martha and Mary

38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 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!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

I have discovered a great deal about the character and nature of God through parenting. Each one of my children displays a particular personality trait and desire to be loved and cared for in a certain way. Not long ago, our oldest asked me to sit and watch a movie with him – his request overwhelmed me a bit as I was in the middle making lunch, folding His laundry, and tidying up the room around him. Exasperated, I replied, “I can’t sit and watch a movie right now, I’ve got to finish everything I’m doing.” He dropped his head, and said, “Mom, you’re so busy doing stuff, you don’t have time for fun - you haven’t made time to hang out with me.”

I found myself irritated, thinking, “Doesn’t he understand, I’m doing all of this for him? He must know that I love him!” You see I’ve always considered myself a “doer” with acts of service and hospitality being the primary way I show or give love.

And while service and preparation are needed and important, I felt Jesus tugging at my heart, remembering Martha in Luke 10. More often than not, I identify with her, and as Martha clearly missed the point in this story, I had missed the point with my son and recall the many times I’ve missed the point with the Lord. I decline His invitation for proximity and presence; and choose hurry and busy-ness over rest and relationship. Like my son wanted to spend time with me, God wants to spend time with us. And even though He is omniscient, I believe He desires that we engage Him and welcome Him into every nook and cranny of our life. In our very best intentions to serve and build, may we not become so distracted doing things FOR Him, that we forget to do the things WITH Him. May we choose the better thing as Mary did, resting in His presence, sitting at His feet, learning as true disciples – Jesus promises it will not be taken away.