Sep 8, 2009

Not Going To Let Martha Take The Lead


This morning I woke up early because I had to get to the school and get in line for the extra yearbooks that were for sale for those who forgot to purchase one ahead of time last year. I waited and waited, but the person in charge never showed up to sell them. One of my friends said that she saw the email and it was Friday and not Monday that they would be for sale. What??? I was absolutely sure I read the email right, but when I came home and checked it for myself, sure enough I was wrong. I was not only wrong about the date, but also the time. I've been wrong a lot lately. I've been attending lots of activities, signing up for many volunteer opportunities, yet I am not keeping track of everything I need to do. Basically I'm doing a lot of things mediocre and very few things excellent.

This morning was a reminder that I need to not rush into help everywhere I can, but wait for God's leading and do a FEW things well. It will only make me look foolish when I can't keep track of the simple things (like keeping track of a date and time). If you want to know a little secret about me is that when I have times like this where I completely am at a loss, I go to the expert for advice. Scripture. It never EVER lets me down.

I started by looking for scripture on wisdom, but I don't think that is the main source of me getting things jumbled. I think it is a lack of focus on what is important. I came across a very familiar scripture, but one I haven't been practicing since I began this new school year.

Luke 10:38-42 "Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”


Are you here with me? Does any of this make you stop and take notice? I need to be at Jesus' feet every morning before I even begin to fill in a sign-up sheet, before I even reply to an email, before I jump in with a yes to each and every volunteer opportunity under the sun. Serving my family, my school and my church are all very important, but nothing is more important than being with my Heavenly Father getting filled so that I can pour into others.

8 comments:

Susan said...

AMEN!! If our service doesn't come from the overflow of HIS SPIRIT and HIS WORD living in and through us then it is just coming from the flesh. Something we ALL have to constantly guard against.
Susan

Anonymous said...

I used to volunteer for things, I decided about 3.8 years ago that I had one volunteer project which was the kids. I'm almost to the point where I think it's time to do more, but keep getting told that it's not the right time yet. Although at times I feel a little bad that I'm not doing enough, but I'm sure I will get over it.

Kellie Ellison said...

After running around like a chicken with my head cut off for too many years, I finally GOT that being a Martha may seem like the honorable way to live but in reality, putting our intimacy with Jesus before everyone & everything is what brings Him the most honor.

G.L.O.W. Girls said...

Thanks for reminding us to take that time. It is when I take the time to sit down and look out my awesome view of God's masterpiece and pray and read my bible it is then I can focus on what needs to be done today and He gives me the wisdom and the time to do them well. Glad to see you posting again!!!

Michelle said...

I have been on the other side of things, saying no left and right. As I find the strength to say no this is encouraging to me to remember to chose to spend that time at His feet.
Thank you Susie for the encouragement and inspiration this morning, oops afternoon!

Wimberley said...

thanks.. susie...
you wrote this just for me! martha's my middle name.... i need me some of the good portion!

Susanne said...

This is confirmation to what God is saying to me. I've even got the Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World book sitting calling my name in the book bag. I guess this means I should get it out and start studying!

Alisa Hope Wagner said...

Thank you for this post! Some days I feel like I have disciplined the joy right out of my life.

I'm trying to find joy within life's responsibilities. I haven't figured it out yet. I'm sure the Holy Spirit will show me soon enough!