BREAKING FOR SPRING

Spring Break week has come and gone - what an unusual week for me.  With my studio closed and my grandkids out of town, my list of errands and chores for the week seemed endless.  Kathy the list-maker, Kathy the over-achiever, Kathy the accomplisher, had the entire week of duties mapped out.  Oh my!  Was this house going to shine!  And the yard, new flowers would be planted and a fresh coat of paint would cover the tired, old winter drab.  My business would re-open on Monday with everything in place, activities organized, and performances arranged.

I can relate to Luke's story of Jesus visiting in the home of his friends, Martha and Mary.  Martha set out to make things perfect for those who were guests in her home.  She was so distracted by her tasks that she could not see the more important things right in front of her.  Mary, on the other hand, preferred to sit at the feet of Jesus and cling to His every word.  In Martha's frustration to get things done, she asked Jesus, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to come and help me."  Jesus lovingly answered, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing.  Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her."

Poor Martha.  The house was full of guests.  They would be hungry soon.  If she did not prepare a meal, who would?  I totally get it!  I wonder how many golden moments I have missed in my quest to  get everything just right.  I wonder if sweet Martha ever considered that the man who was teaching in her very home was the same man who fed the multitudes with just a bit of fish and bread?

And then there was Mary.  Quite a visionary by the standards of the day.  While her sister prepared the meal for the men, as any good Jewish girl was expected to do, she  chose to to sit with the men and glean from Jesus' teaching.  Wow!  In that day, girls were not even allowed to learn to read the Torah.  Yet, this particular day, this particular girl learned from the Master himself.  Jesus was well known for disregarding accepted traditions and rules.  To our Lord, this woman had just as much right to enter into the discussion as did the men.  Jesus' words fed Mary in a way that physical food could not.

Concentration has been difficult for me the past few months.  I feel very scattered and disorganized.  I start on a project and before I realize it, something else attracts my attention and I go in a completely different direction.  For over half a century, my Martha personality has kept my household, my family, and my career going.  But recent life changes have taught me that being still is good, even fun!  Sitting for hours reading a good book is not a waste of time.  Time spent in prayer and Bible study is much more important than time spent checking duties and errands off a list.

So,  Spring Break week has come and gone.  The house is livable, but cluttered.  The yard is mowed, and the flowers have been purchased.  Maybe I will plant them tomorrow.  And the business, Monday morning, ready or not, here we come!  This week I have spent time with my husband, I have spent time in the Word, and I have enjoyed physical rest.  Although I am struggling with just a bit of guilt, I have a big smile on my face.

"Come unto me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."  Matthew 11:28.