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.” Luke 10:38-42 NIV

Greetings sisters!  

I know there are so many of you who suffer from the “Mary and Martha” syndrome like I do.  (Cue the Amens!)  

Do you long so desperately to rest at the feet of Jesus but constantly look at your ever-growing to-do list?  

Oh how I can relate.  Do you set your alarm for your quiet time, but you hit snooze three times?  This waxes very familiar for me!

I read the above-referenced passage in Luke and wish that I could be more like Martha.  Clean house, abundant dinners, house full of happy guests.  And then there’s me… staring at my kitchen floor wondering when was the last time I introduced myself to my mop.

You know what I do next?  I feel guilty that I’m not more organized and that guilt leads me away from Jesus.  Then my quiet time goes way down on my list.  I feel defeated and I think that Jesus must be disappointed in me.  

What a vicious circle I created for myself!  Mercy.

Jesus did not intend for us to beat ourselves up if our kitchen is not picked up or our laundry is left unfolded.  He just longs to spend time with us, filling us with His wisdom and love.  That “us” includes you and me.  We are deeply loved by The Great I Am, my sisters.

Isn’t that the best news ever?

You know what I am discovering?  It’s okay if we can’t give Him an hour of uninterrupted time every morning.  Five minutes is okay.  Then we can work up to a longer time.  He is there waiting for us and loves us with an everlasting love.  I have been praying that He will protect my time with Him – no matter how long it is.  He will answer that prayer for you too my friends.  Guaranteed.  Don’t give up – you are greatly loved!

Now… what does my mop look like again?

Ask the Lord to carve out time for Him each day.  He will protect that time – I promise!  He is so awesome!

Heavenly Father, we are tired.  We have husbands, kids, parents, siblings, carpool lines and dirty laundry.  So many times we are so hard on ourselves because we can’t seem to juggle all of these balls at once.  Please help us to seek You first above all things because we know You will always direct our paths.  Thank You for never giving up on us!  We love You so! In Jesus’ Precious Name, Amen.