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In recent months I found myself having a lot of time on my hands. I have always been a career driven woman. I closed my skincare business. It was supposed to be just a temporary situation. But after prayer and much though I felt led to a different direction.
Having that extra time didn’t seem like a big deal at all. I had so much to do. I like to think of myself as one of those moms who put a little more effort into their living space. I love the smell of fresh sheets and a fresh homemade meal. I like to write and read, I thought now that I have this time I can do all that.
However I still found myself with a lot more time on my hands, this didn’t make me happy at all. I felt anxious. I felt like I am wasting my time and I should be doing something. I can’t just sit.
I was feeling guilty for having time, time to be quiet, time to be with myself.
I realized that I had spent my recent years being obsessed with doing and serving others that I have forgotten how to sit, think and listen to my thoughts. I didn't know how to be anxious about nothing. I didn't know how to be still and know that He is God. I had been so worn out that I didn’t understand how the opposite feels.
I realized that I have been a personification of Martha, a frustrated superwoman.
The Bible talks about Jesus’s visit to the home of Martha and Mary.
Both women were so excited to see the Lord, they both loved Jesus, but their priorities were different, and I would even go on to say that they expressed this love differently. Martha loved to serve, but Mary loved quality time.
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!” (Luke 10:39-40)
The thing about this is that all these chores Martha was doing had to be done. Someone had to make dinner, wash the dishes and make sure the sheets were clean, etc.
Martha was trying to do everything for everyone, and when she didn’t get any help,she just lost it.
Isn't this a familiar story? As women, moms, wives, we give our time, doing everything for everyone. We give our love, energy and everything we’ve got to make sure that everyone is taken care of. We give so much of ourselves that we have nothing left but exhaustion.
We feel frustrated and overwhelmed and unappreciated when we wake up at 7 in the morning, and the kitchen sink is already half-full. When the legos scattered everywhere as if there was a tornado in our toddler's room. The shoes that are tripping us over as we make our way to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
Martha like all of us do in situations like this – blew up “Hey Mary, I could use some help here.”
I love that the bible mentions that these chores are essential, they had to be done. But Jesus called her out on it.
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)
Jesus said to her, resting in Jesus’s is the best decision Mary made that day.
Even though we have to look after our families, work and give the best service in our local church and give our best performance to the jobs we have, Jesus wants us to rest in him.
The works and service are essential – but what is more important is that we take time out and spend it at the feet of Jesus. We should also take time out and get a pedicure.
Yes, the toys maybe everywhere, you might have to buy take-out some nights, but what is important is that you are in the right place with the Lord.
What is the point of having a clean house when the people living in it are frustrated and exhausted? So what if you didn't get all your to-do list completed today? What is the point of you serving in church if your inner man has been abandoned?
What God cares about is not so much what you do, it is who you are. Take a break and get to know yourself but most importantly, get to know the Lord more.
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28-30