While at church today, the sermon seemed to speak to me. It was the story of when Jesus visited the two sisters "Martha" and Mary. It seems that while "Martha" was busily trying to clean, and make sure things were perfect and just so, Mary was sitting quietly at the feet of Jesus, listening to him speak. Becoming aggrivated, "Martha" asked Jesus if He noticed Mary just sitting there, and would He tell her to get up and help. His response was that although they were both serving Him, Mary chose to spend her time with Him, while "Martha" consumed with busywork, became neglectful of the opportunity to devote time to Him. She was missing out on the entire visit.
I couldn't help but notice that this "Martha" had a lot in common with the "Martha" I have become. I often find myself becoming irritated when my youngest wants me to sit and play, while I am in the middle of vacuuming or mopping. Or, I might become irritated when dh wants to talk about his day, and I'm in the middle of making dinner. Or perhaps resenting the fact that I have to stop writing a journal entry to pick up my oldest from poetry club. Although I love keeping a neat house, and cooking great dinners, I need to set my priorities. I'm missing "the visit".
So, I will remember this story when I feel like I have to finish a chore before talking with my husband, or playing with my kids. I don't want to be so busy doing things for them, that I'm not spending time with them.
12 comments:
Boy, aint this the truth?! I only used "aint" to sound funny, I don't usually! I do the same thing as you do though. I hate stopping in the middle of something and it happens all the time, every single day. "Mommy will you come play with me?" while I am trying to type a journal entry, or make dinner. Most of the time I will say "One minute" but this entry made me rethink this. The journal, house and dinner can wait! Thank you for reminding me!
Love and hugs,
Lisa
It seems that the pastors find a way to talk about things that pertain to the people in the congregation. More often than not, the topic always seems to relate to me personally. I wonder if they learned how to do that in Bible college? Maybe that's why it was their calling, they have the gift (at least the good ones do). ~Melissa
OMG!!! I thought you were talking about me!!! LOL!!! I thought I was in trouble for not going to church today! LOL! I DID! REALLY! I can definitely hear the message and know I do the same thing even though (thankfully) you weren't talking to me directly!!! Martha :-)
Wow this was a great entry you wrote! Surely makes me think! And its good that you thought about this and would like to change into someone better. -Rae Ann
Wow Sherry...I was guilty over this very same thing twice yesterday and once today and I stopped and almost cried...it's like you're caught between a rock and a hard place. If you don't keep up and do the work and you make time for play the work doubles. If you don't stop..you leave someone disapointed.
Sherry, thanks, I think we all needed a reminder. Hugs Lanny
Sherry, I used to be that way before I met Sonny ... he has taught me to stop and visit/relax. At times I still catch myself not stopping. Thanks for a reminder we ALL need.
Smilin Mon
I think everyone is guilty of this. There just seems to be so much that we have to do in a day and we never relax and so our first response is irritation. I need to be reminded DAILY to behave.
Oh I love this!! I happen to think you are a great MOM and WIFE.
Awwwwwwww
A very valuable lesson ~ thanks for sharing. We all forget to stop and evaluate what's really important. We get one chance to raise our kids...the mess will still be there.
This is SO true! I have to constantly remind myself why I'm here and what it's all about--and it's not about ME! More people need to prioritise their lives in this way.:o) ~Kim
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