Identifying with Martha

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33

“Too busy; O forgive, Dear Lord, that I should ever be, too much engrossed in earthly tasks, to spend an hour with thee.” A.B. Christiansen

 

  • Sweet mom, is your “to do list” a mile long today? From one overachiever to another—let’s sit for a while, take deep breaths and refocus on what our homemaking should look like. Read with me the account of Martha in Luke 10:38-41.

Identifying with Martha

I am one BUSY mom! I have five growing kids ranging from young adults down to a second grader who has just lost her front two teeth! I keep non-stop busy managing a family of seven, including all the laundry, meal planning, party planning, shopping, bill paying, and carpooling. Sounds exhausting, doesn’t it? Guess what—I love it all! I guess I’ve been conditioned to be busy, but I also thrive at it. Being a homemaker comes naturally to me, I love all the planning, preparing, getting things accomplished and crossed off my list. Anyone else out there like me?

Homemaking isn’t just about making our homes beautiful places to live or crossing chores off a list—it’s also about nurturing and pouring into the lives of those the Lord has placed in our care. Sister, the truth is—busyness can rob me of the MORE important things like time with Jesus and making special daily memories with my family.

My struggle isn’t in getting things done but in slowing down to smell the roses so to speak. My problem is that once my plate is empty, I fill it up with more to do! I am a Martha through and through! The reference to Martha in Scripture is often recognized as negative. It’s true she was too busy preparing for Jesus, that she missed out on sitting at His feet like her sister Mary. Sadly, she sacrificed being in the Lord’s presence by being too distracted by serving. Jesus actually rebuked her for not paying attention to what was more important. This Scripture definitely convicts me, as it should.

Martha’s story helps me put into perspective the importance of quiet time spent with the Lord. Knowing the need to schedule time with my Savior first puts this priority at the top of my list. I don’t want to miss out on the sweet intimate time of conversing with Jesus in prayer or the glory of unabashed worship to Him. Time with Jesus fuels me! Reading God’s Word also equips me. The bonus is that God helps me organize my day when I give it to Him and ask Him to direct my steps. He also gives me motivation for things yet undone as well as time management to do what still is needed. Sister, making time for Jesus is MORE important!

Blessings and Love,

Rae-Ellen

Questions to Ponder

  • What consumes your time and makes you so busy? Can you slow down and spend time with Jesus and your family more? Take a minute to write down where you might have uncommitted windows of time. Simply logging where I have free time, keeps me accountable to use it wisely. I humbly challenge you to try this new style of making the MOST of your homemaking-by making investments in your family happen every chance you can! Oh, and sweet mama—be graceful to yourself, those of us who are wired to be busy are a work in progress.

Faith-Filled Ideas

I identify with Martha, but also with Mary. I don’t degrade my passion for being a “doer” any longer—neither should you—but busy moms DO need balance! Busyness is not the problem, but desiring and carving out time with Jesus can be. Take my advice and daily approach the throne of grace and ask Jesus for time management in your homemaking and child-rearing. Ask Him for the grace to say “No” when too many things demand your attention. He just might strengthen you to get everything done in the power of His Spirit and invite you to sit at His feet for a while.

Rae-Ellen Sanders
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