Martha, Martha

As I sit down to write this, I realize I am sitting in something wet on the carpet, and I don't know what it is.  And I don't plan to find out.  Sometimes it's best not knowing.

I also realize that it will take more than one sitting to get this whole post written.  That's OK.  Most everything I do in a given day is done in fits and starts.  A lot gets started, and not much gets finished.  And there are a lot of fits.

I have reheated this cup of coffee three times already and will most likely go for a fourth before I eventually give up and pour the rest down the sink. One child is melting down because she sneezed into her hand and now there is "something yucky on my hand!!!!" and one is naked except for socks and an undershirt and now they are fighting over who gets to walk Snoopy - that is, pull what is supposed to be an outdoor light/decoration around by the cord.

They will watch more TV today than is recommended by whatever organization has time to analyze such things.  Am I a bad mom?  They will most certainly eat too many processed, animal shaped foods that have long ingredient lists.  I'm a bad mom.

I've made my to-do list for the day, and it's discouraging.  Maybe getting off the computer would help.  I spend too much time on the computer.  On top of all the regular stuff, there are so many Christmas-y activities I'd love to do...ornaments and crafts I'd like to make with the girls, yummy treats I want to bake and share, cards to send - if I could just get them bought first.  Wasn't I going to make this year more about Him?  I'm frustrated that the girls aren't really into the advent activity I've tried to do each night.  I want so much to help them understand.  But I struggle myself with drowning out all the distractions.  I should be eating better.  I need to get organized.  Did I start the washing machine??  What are we having for dinner tonight?  How can I not know what we're having for dinner tonight?  Next year, I'm starting earlier.  

I am worried and upset about many things.

Just like Martha in Luke Chapter 10:

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.[f] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Only one thing is needed!  Why do I keep forgetting??  True, some of my concerns are valid.  There are tasks that must get done in order for our home to keep running smoothly.  Like every other mom of little ones I know, I am busy and stretched too thin, and it's a challenge to find the time and energy for everything and everybody that needs my attention.  But it's also true that I am quick to get my priorities all out of whack.  That I get frazzled and stressed out way too easily.  That I worry too much about all the wrong things.  

Only one thing is needed!  Jesus said that Mary chose what was better: sitting at his feet, listening to him.  Not running around crazy, "distracted by all the preparations."  I imagine the tone of his voice when he reminded Martha of this - gentle, loving, patient.  Sometimes I take out the Martha and put my own name in instead.  I want to pour out my heart to him, but sometimes I only have the time to say, "Lord, I'm worried and upset about many things!"  

He is so patient with us.  He had so much grace for Martha and he has so much for me.  He is so kind to remind me that only one thing is truly needed, and that the one thing is him.  Time in his presence, time in his word.  Yes, getting organized would make me a more efficient helper for my husband.  Yes, I do need to figure out what's for dinner; that's part of the job he's given me to do.  But if I'll just stop, and be still, and choose what's better - setting my heart and thoughts on him - he is always faithful to help me with the rest.  How many times in the last three years have I seen him make time in my day when there shouldn't have been enough?  When I give him my to-do list and ask him to help me prioritize, he is always so faithful to show me what I need to lay down or let go of so that I'm able to do what's most important by his standards.  And when I still don't get it quite right, his grace is sufficient.