Living Like a Martha

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.” (Luke 10:38-42 ESV)

Last time I was scheduled to write for the FYI, I gave up because I ran out of time. However, writing these articles are ways in which I can reflect how God has shown me, shaped me or used me. It’s a great reminder for me to stop and reflect.

Because lately, I haven’t really done any reflection on where, how, or when I’ve encountered God. Sure, I try to make time for my Bible Study Fellowship class, and I’m still on rotation to serve at church. However, as I write this, I realize it has been awhile since I’ve thought about who I’m really serving, and the way in which I’m serving. I’m realizing that I take for granted my line of work as “serving,” often writing about the ways in which God has moved through my journey through school and career changes. And it’s great! I have definitely seen God.

However, I have devoted less time to reflecting on how God is shaping me in the stillness, and more time trying to serve and serve. I sometimes think of how I envy those who can actually get their BSF homework done—I haven’t in weeks! Or my friends who talk to me about their amazing quiet times in the midst of working at Amazon.

Frankly, I am definitely feeling a bit like Martha. I think I’m missing the big picture as I bury my head in my day-to-day, content with the idea that any service is good service. Service without God’s heart is just helping another person. It’s great, but it can only be sustained for so long. No, choosing to fellowship, to drop the service every now and then, is harder, I think, as it forces us to ask, “Why does this even matter?” I want to be more like Mary, who is also comfortable not doing anything for Jesus other than to sit in fellowship.