Martha and Mary

I've come to the realization that I am most definitely a Martha and not just a normal Martha but a Mega Hyper Martha.  I don't know what is built into my natural being that makes me want to always be doing and not very often just being - as in the Lord's command to "be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).  I could be described as a "human doing" rather than a "human being". 

I have been described recently as a steamroller (by my dad who followed this remark with a comment to the effect of the fact that he finds it easier to just get out of my way but that he is usually very pleased with the results of my steamrolling).  I do like to keep moving, to have lots of projects going, to keep my mind going by learning and reading, etc.  My poor shy mom (painfully shy) used to get so desperate when I was a kid that she would actually go door-to-door in the neighborhood to find someone to play with me since I was wearing her out. 

There is good to be found in my being a high energy person.  I know that the Lord made me this way on purpose (as if he does anything any other way) knowing what life had in store for me. I know that I couldn't be a wife of a disabled person, a caregiver to my dad, a mother to a son with Asperger's and to a busy daughter, a sister, a teacher, and all that I am called to be without lots of energy.  That thought makes me thankful.  It was no mistake that I am in the situation I am in and God lovingly made me like I am to bless me and those in my life.  I am thankful for my family, my job, my hobbies, my personality. 

That being said, I know that I often kick into overdrive and forget to stop and truly spend time at the feet of Jesus.  He and I talk during the day, I listen to and sing music about Him, I listen to podcasts of preachers and Christian authors and speakers, but all of that is done on the go.  I forget to have that private, truly still, truly quiet time with Him sometimes.  I talk "to" Him but forget to be still and listen for His response, for His Words in my heart and in my spirit.  I consciously pray for wisdom in decisions and I am learning to slow down before making big (especially expensive) changes and ask for His direction.  My desire is for my life to glorify and please Him always but I sometimes forget that I am also supposed to be in a rewarding, rich, fulfilling relationship with Him - one that benefits me and one that He desires. 

I am praying that I will take time, especially this summer when I am being blessed with summer break, to be a Mary and to sit at the feet of my Lord.  After all, only one thing is needed.

From the Bible, NIV Version:
 ³⁸As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. ³⁹She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. ⁴⁰But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
 ⁴¹"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, ⁴²but only one thing is needed.^[f] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
 Luke 10:38 - 42.