It really was a beautiful day today. John was off judging the Spotlight Awards for the Music Center of Los Angeles, and I was left with my fabulous four and a blank slate of a day. It really was such a gift. No, everything did not go smoothly, it was not a tear-less, perfectly planned or without its fair share of squabbles, but a gift none-the-less, given to me by the one who SPOKE...and there was light. I knew that from the moment I opened my eyes, God had something for us today. If not, why would He wake us up?
As I counted the little bodies that slowly made their way into our bed and under the covers this morning, I smiled when we were all accounted for, all 6 of us cozy and SNUG under our queen sized sheets and I knew, with each little fuzzy head that slowly joined...God was setting the stage for another day worth living.
I'm learning to be more like Mary. I'm wired MUCH more like Martha...comfortable with my to-do list in my hand and finding every check mark incredibly satisfying, and another ingredient to deeming my day "successful" when the sun sets. That comes very naturally to me. And then, God...in His perfect wisdom...gave me four squirrely kids and a husband who knows who to find JOY in each moment. For John, check-lists are there, but they are not his master. He doesn't loose sleep over an unchecked item, but instead can smile from ear to ear recounting something "unexpected" that happened that day...hearing his stories always makes me fall deeper in love with the man who reminds me with his steadfast JOY, that keeping my head in lists will keep me from experiencing the moments that take me to the feet of Jesus.
Mary was good at that. Oh sure there were plenty of things that needed tending to...and there always will be. The reality of life is that clothes get dirty, dishes need washing and toys need organizing and in my house, someone is always moving up to the next size of clothing! It will keep happening, and we will keep dealing with it all as we need to...the trouble is when all that becomes our focus. It can easily become that with six under our roof...John and I realized the other day that unless the washing machine is running, we are behind with the laundry. Isn't that crazy! "Housework" could easily become our master around here and define our days either "successful" or not based on how much of it is still laying around at the end of the day...
What does Jesus say about where our gaze should be...
Luke 10
38 Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word.
That's why I'm so fascinated with Mary these days. With all the craziness circling around her...she sat and the bible says she listened to Jesus. That word listened can be translated "to hear; to learn by hearing; to obey one in authority."
40 But Martha was distracted with all her preparations...
Martha on the other hand...was distracted...translated "to drag all around." Do you ever feel like you're so distracted by all you think you have to do that you actually feel your spirit "dragging." I can definitely relate. Preparations meant "Service directed toward a master or guest..." I was eager to look up this word since I wanted to hear about what she was doing! Sounds a lot like laundry, dishes and cooking...much of which I am very familiar :)
...and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; 42 but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
Martha knew the things she was busy with were necessary for everyone to be comfortable...she was busy doing things FOR Jesus, but when He spoke, He only spoke of her worried and bothered spirit. On the other hand...Mary was said to have chosen what was good...meaning "profitable."
I want to be known as a daughter, wife, mother and friend who chooses what is "profitable" most often. Yes, I'll continue doing laundry and I'm not suggesting we go on strike from doing any dishes, but when I choose the things that will benefit my family MOST (like playing the game I promised I'd play three chores ago), over things that being done will ease my worried and bothered spirit (like having to deep clean the kitchen immediately after every meal)...we ALL receive more "profit" there. Dishes won't remember me saying "just one minute..." but my kids will.
Choosing what is BEST over what is good. The good can wait, but choosing God's BEST, now, benefits us all. I've also learned from visits to many different households, that choosing to let the dishes wait so that conversation can happen after dinner often means that dishes become a communal event later! In our house we're starting to teach our boys (who are 6 and 4) how to load the dishwasher and put away their clean laundry so that accomplishing those tasks can be a time for our family to grow together as well...our kids learn to contribute and we keep the laughter and conversation flowing as we serve together.
In fact that's kind of how I picture my life with Jesus...my heavenly Father near me, teaching me at all times...in the quiet of the morning from His Word, in the middle of walks to the park when I'm enamored with His creation, in the midst of temper-tantrums when I learn again to be patient...my days are not separated into categories of divine and secular...He never leaves me or forsakes me so every moment I draw breath is divine. My prayer is that I am mindful of that always, not allowing the enemy to distract me and turn what God intended to be "profitable"into "worried and bothered" all while I'm trying to do what I think is good.
For me, sitting at the feet of Jesus means, committing to mornings dwelling in the presence of the Most High, giving the priority of my moments to the dear ones He gave me, and listening to the still small voice of the One who loves His Bride (the church) calling us to GO and love, as Jesus did.
The photograph at the top of this post represents to me, that kind of journey. My Dad took this photo (who we'll hear from next week as a guest author) and it reminds me so much of journeying with Jesus, unhurried, toward all He has for those who follow--so much of which, is unknown--yet if journeyed with Him for eternal purposes, always beautiful and filled with purpose.
Lord, quiet our hurried days, allowing us to be aware of the life-giving, perspective-shifting presence of your Holy Spirit always. We want to dwell in the shadow of the ALMIGHTY God and grow to KNOW you, not just complete tasks 'for' you. Draw us away from all that distracts us from our single highest, most "profitable" call...to sit at your feet, listen and obey.
I've been trying for nearly three years now to remember what my own Momma taught by example: Better to accomplish a task perhaps a little more slowly with little hands helping, then to get it done alone, quickly, perfectly....while showing my child that her help is "inadequate" or "unnecessary." Will probably be "learning" this forever, but it get a little easier!
Your Momma is very wise :) I'm on the long path to learning this one too, my friend! It's good to know we're not alone...thank you for sharing! Knowing we're in the same boat, encourages me!!!
Have learned in the past 3 days what I'm sure first Ryder and now Cole and Cora have taught you.... Those little hands, though often slower than mine, not as sure and occasionally mischievous, are an absolute BLESSING with a new tiny person to tend to. I had no idea how AMAZINGLY helpful a not-quite three-year-old can be. Continuing to learn! :)
Yes Cat!!!! I wholeheartedly agree!!! They are an amazing help to me! Ryder even stayed up late with John and I the other night to help prepare for Cora's birthday party...it just keeps getting better :) SO glad to hear you're adjusting to life with two precious girls!!!