I woke up early, eager for the still quiet hours before the kids wake up, to spend with God.
I was studying & praying when I heard my phone ding.
It was my mother, wishing Jefferson a happy birthday!
I came back to reality & realized it hadn’t yet crossed my mind this morning!
I immediately felt guilty & thought, I should go blow up some balloons, make a special breakfast & just be a better mom!
& the story of Mary & Martha came to mind, so I went there in the book of Luke & read. (Luke 10:38-42)
Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus eager to listen & learn when culturally/worldly she should have been helping her sister, Martha, with preparations for their many guests.
Martha comes to Jesus & says “Lord, is it not a concern to you that my sister has left me alone to make preparations? Then tell her that she should help me!”
Jesus answered:
“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things! But few things are necessary, or only one thing, for Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”
This is a well-known story that I have read many times. One of those Bible stories that we wave off like “yeah, yeah, I know the one”. To be honest I had to really force myself to read it again because I know what it says…. I get the gist, God.
But a peace & understanding came over me as I read that story again this morning.
Martha was not in the wrong according to the culture, according to the world. Maybe even the other disciples were thinking it too… judging Mary, their host, for not helping her sister. I can just feel the tension in the room. If I was there, I would have sided with Martha, I’m sure! But there is an important point I was missing…we don’t know hearts like God does.
Maybe if Mary was sitting with intensions of just dodging her duties, like she saw an opportunity to hang out with an old friend under the guise of “I’m learning from the Messiah!” but in her heart she was just indolent & defiant, & maybe if Martha was serving with the right heart posture, maybe Jesus would have said “Mary, get up & help your sister for she has chosen the better way, for she serves wholeheartedly” lol.
But Jesus, knowing their hearts, sets the record straight & taught everyone in that room His truth, putting them in their place depending on their heart/mind. & it is amazing to me that He is still able to do that today by The Holy Spirit, convicting us all individually as we live & read His Living Word. You may read this same story today, & God will teach you something different, meeting you where you are. How beautiful, that He loves us enough to have individual intimate relationships with us if we are willing. 🥹💛
It wasn’t just Mary & Martha who heeded a lesson here. It was everyone in that room & everyone who has been telling/hearing/reading this story since.
He knows my heart this morning & didn’t mom shame me like the world does.
He wanted me to know that “only one thing is necessary & I had chosen the better part which will not be taken away from me”
Jefferson is still asleep so, now I’m off to blow up some balloons 🎉🎈 But I’ll continue to commune with God all the while.
Happy 4th Birthday Jefferson! 🥳💛
