Thinking About Martha

Image by AiArtista from Pixabay

My meditation from Our Daily Bread resonated with my current situation. “In what area of your life can you ask God to make you more like Jesus?”

My first thought, to give me more of a servant’s heart. Then I realized, being a servant is easier than sitting still.

Since my husband’s knee surgery, I expend a lot of time and energy to keep up our half acre of lawn, flowerbeds, household chores, shopping, and errands. Yes, I’ve organized and spread out my tasks to manageable sections, but if I fall behind, I am compelled to work doubly hard to catch up. This leaves little time to do much else, especially anything that requires sitting for long — like reading Scripture.

That overwhelming sense of duty reminded me of Martha. With guests in the house, she felt it was important to serve rather than sit idle at Jesus’ feet, like Mary. When she complained, Jesus pointed out it was more important to listen to Him than serve.

Ouch.

More than once, God has told me to make my morning devotions a priority. Yet, I slip into Martha mode so easily.

Jesus not only pointed out where our priorities should lay, He also gave us an example by often going off alone to pray. If He could find the time to slip away and pray, then surely I can too.

Jesus, teach me how to still my busy hands and mind long enough to sit at your feet. Amen. 

Love or Duty? (Another Lesson in Relativity)

In my devotions today, Jesus tells his opponents to judge him by his works if they will not believe his words. This follows right on the heels of my lesson on relativity. He asks us to do works with love. This goes further. Don’t criticize. So many wives are under the mistaken idea nagging their spouse will make them change. Psychologists state people thrive in a positive environment not a critical one. 

To my husband’s credit, he rarely criticizes me. If something is important, he will ask me to sit down and talk. Then, in a quiet, respectful tone, he will explain how my inappropriate behavior made him feel. I must add, he puts up with a lot without saying a word. I too often wear my emotions and forget the Do-This-Out-of-Love Commandment.

 It’s that relativity thing again, but this time with the added emphasis of acting out of love rather than a misguided sense of duty. 

While wrestling with the bedding yesterday (washing the mattress cover and comforter), I wasn’t thinking about love. At least I suffered in silence without displaying my feelings. That was a step forward. 

Today, while I do more chores, I plan to do them because I love my husband. He deserves that. He is a remarkable man, intelligent, kind, thoughtful, caring. I do not doubt he loves me. The King of Lies wants me to feel put upon, neglected, and unappreciated. I’m not. 

Last night, my husband helped with the supper dishes without my asking or even hinting.

After we finished, he gave me a hug and whispered, “Thank you, Sweetheart, for all the things you do.”

I remembered what a wise soul stated about marriage. It is each partner taking turns giving a hundred percent. My husband gives his. I need to give mine without complaint. 

I will with your help, Lord.