I have been trying to write this blog post for a week. I had hit a wall in what to say and how to say it, so I decided that I would be transparent in where I am in this season of my life.
This semester has been one of the most challenging and busy semesters thus far. Ever since being accepted to go on the World Race, it has consumed me. I am so thrilled that I am going and that I am being allowed to make the name of Jesus famous. The only downside is that I have found myself caught up in the preparations, and I have been stressed out about the financial details.
All of these things are valid and worth thinking about, but I feel as if the Lord is being pushed to the side of my chaotic brain. I know He is here with me even as I write this blog post, He is graciously nudging me in the side and telling me to give Him all my burdens. I know He is as close to me and as patient with me as ever. He waits for me to acknowledge His presence and tells me that I am not alone; that He has already made a way for me to go on the World Race.
This season of my life reminds me of the story of Mary and Martha
Luke 10:38-42 (NIV)
“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.”
I know that preparation is important, so I cannot help but initially feel empathy for Martha. She does what she thinks is best, and I see myself in her. However in trying to accomplish so many things, I often forget to just sit at the feet of Jesus and breathe Him in.
Here’s what Martha and myself have forgotten… The Lord is not interested in us stressing over preparation, because He has already prepared everything that we need. In the midst of this crazy busy life, sometimes we must take a step back and evaluate how we are spending our time.
We serve a God who loves us more than we will ever know, so why let worry take time away from us sitting at His feet? Today and everyday, I want to put my time spent with the Lord above any and every preparation. I want to become more like Mary and remember that there is only one thing that I need.
“you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.”
Lord, let us become more like Mary of Bethany. Let us choose to sit at your feet instead of being caught up in the craziness of this life. Let us choose to find comfort in you in our time of despair and hurt. Let us humbly pour out all we have, withholding nothing from you. Let us always choose you, only you.
