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
Dear Lord Jesus, I begin this Lord’s Day—this day of Sabbath rest, with a yearning to live less of a driven life and more of a called life—less by frenzy and more by faith, with less concerns about the future, and more contemplation of your beauty. In short, I want to live at the pace of grace—more like Mary, less like Martha.
As I get older I just don’t have as much energy to juggle as many balls or spin as many plates as I used to. This is both humbling and freeing. For if greater grace comes to the humble, then accepting my limitations is essential for my liberation. Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!
It’s not difficult to see that my busyness is rooted in fear—the fear of not being enough and having enough; the fear of losing face and losing control; the fear of missing the mark and missing out. Come, Lord Jesus, come. Your perfect beauty and love, alone, can liberate this performer and perfectionist.
I trust you, Jesus; I would trust you more. I find rest in your presence; I want to linger there forever. I love you; I want my love for you to grow exponentially. One Day I will be made perfect in love, all because of your finished work on our behalf—and that Day has never been more attractive and alluring. May your love continue to drive out all the fears still lurking around the chambers of my heart. So very Amen I pray, in your merciful and mighty name.
