…. about many things”

That was me putting myself in the Bible verse that I journaled about today.

The verse was Luke 10:41-42, ” Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.  Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken from her.”

The Message translation says, ” The Master said, “Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it- it’s the main course and won’t be taken from her.”

Jesus is telling Martha to chill out and to just sit with him.

The story is about these two sisters who invite Jesus to their home for dinner. Mary is sitting at the feet of Jesus just hanging onto every word.  There have been many special people in my life(sometimes mentors) who I just want to sit and listen to.  I just want to absorb their wisdom.  I can’t even imagine being in the living room face to face with Jesus.

Anyways while Mary is sitting, Martha is busy in the kitchen.  Martha is ticked at Mary for being “lazy” and she complains to Jesus about Mary.  She then tries to get Jesus to make Mary get off her butt and help.  And that is when he answers her with “Martha, Martha…”

I totally tend to be like Martha, frantically buzzing around doing things while ignoring Jesus who sits in the living room waiting for me to sit and be with him.

This a good verse for me to memorize because it could easily say, “Kimi, Kimi you’re fussing too much…”.  Being busy is my easy default.  It takes far more discipline for me to intentionally pause, rest, and sit with Jesus.

To sit with Jesus(for me)  means getting alone- a challenge being a mama of 3.  And then practicing the discipline of silence and solitude(search blog for more on that).  I will just sit and be still.  I rarely even pray, I just sit and listen.  So when my mind begins to fret- I redirect to think of the goodness of God and all he has done for me.  I love to sit and admire his creation.  Even just for 10-15 minutes a day does wonders for my soul.

My prayer for my Soap journaling today was, “Jesus, I want to sit with you.  I don’t want to be a fussy mess who takes myself too serious.  Help me to be disciplined in taking time to sit and rest with you.

For more on this, check out Jeremy’s message podcast from yesterday, Joy Part 2 @ http://www.storychurch.org/#media