Martha Moments
I’ve always been a Martha—busy in the kitchen rather than busy with the Guest. Perpetually distracted by all the preparations that have to be made. I painstakingly take all the efforts to serve the most sumptuous meal to please Him who I thought to be hungry, when in reality, I am the one who is in need of feeding by Him.
I am aware of my tendency for overactivity, and aware that I need to pause every so often. There was a period when I deliberately withdrew from almost every ministry-related work—did not attend the fellowships I enjoyed so much, stopped singing in the choir, excused myself from serving in the core group of our professionals’ ministry. Longing to go back to where I came from, I packed the basic necessities of my faith and walked alone. I returned to the roots of my redemption—studied the Scriptures more intensively, prayed more earnestly—in the hopes of rekindling my First Love. I decided that I was going to sit at the feet of my Master. And stay there until my heart was filled.
Now, years later, I tiptoe my way back to the kitchen. Upon seeing the pot simmering with stew, I instinctively reach for the wooden spoon to stir it. The line “Do this and do that, Martha” echoes through my head again. Oh no, I didn’t realize how much work still needs to be done. Surely, God wouldn’t mind if I do all these. Surely, He wouldn’t mind if I miss a day or two of reading His Word. Wouldn’t mind if my prayers become more like telegraphic messages than honest pleas of my heart.
A tender Voice breaks through the cacophony of the clanging pots and pans. “You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.”
Oh Lord, will You ever tire of calling me away from the kitchen and back at Your feet?
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Faith
5 comments:
i've always identified with martha. i mean, clearly, someone should tend to the details, but i guess the One for whom the details are for is more important. great piece.
I don't always feel guilty about doing things for the Lord, only when I know I'm already missing Him at the expense of my busyness. Thanks for the comment. :-)
had a martha moment last sunday during the YP fellowship. Bel and I did the merienda preparations...hehehe, i can still smell the lumpiang shanghai.
Literally been a Martha, huh, you were in the kitchen! Thanks for helping. :-)
speaking of the lumpiang shanghai, we have been rehashing, reheating and generally been spending significant time with the leftover fillings these past few days. Ulam for breakfast, lunch, dinner, ad infinitum. sana maubos na :-)
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