Breathing Deep

Father, when I sit in Your presence
I feel Your love and peace wash over me
Help me to make my time with you a
priority each and everyday.

Focus of the Month: Ordinary Women with Extraordinary Hope

Growing up in an Italian/Polish family one thing was certain…good food and lots of it would be a part of every family get together. Smells of fresh baked bread, lasagna, cookies…you name it we had it. I loved it. I mostly loved that my grandma, my mom and aunt’s did the majority of the cooking and I reaped the benefits. Although there was much work to be done there was still a lot of time for laughter and chit chat in those kitchens. Preparing the meal was a crucial part of a successful gathering.

Being a good hostess is important in my family. I have enjoyed hosting many events and I am always ready for the next one. That is probably why I relate so well to one of my favorite women in the bible. Her name is Martha. I picture her to be a great party planner, addicted to pretty patterned dishes and an all around organizing maniac. She’s can do it all! Well…almost. Her story isn’t perfect, as most of ours, but even though she might get distracted her love for Jesus is undeniable.

Martha was from a little town called Bethany. Her home was a refuge that provided shelter and food for Jesus as He traveled from town to town teaching and healing. She lived there with her sister, Mary and her brother, Lazarus. You may be familiar with part of her story. Let’s look to scripture together.

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)

I admire how Jesus speaks to Martha. He doesn’t tell her to mind her own business and put the food on the table. He reminds her that in all her serving she has perhaps lost sight of the ‘ONE’ for whom she is doing all of this preparing in the first place. He gently points out that her sister is not purposefully ignoring her duties, she is simply choosing the better portion of those options. Oh Martha! I am so you. In all my running to help, to please, to accomplish my tasks…I too become distracted from the better thing. The quiet moments to sit at the feet of Jesus. The moments to enjoy the company of those around me. I want to receive the better portion.

Can you tell the difference in your day when you spend time with the Lord as opposed to skipping time with Him? Do you miss Him when you don’t meet with Him? Do you call Him friend? All these questions run through my mind. If I want to pursue Him, serve Him and love Him – I must know Him. How can I know Him if I don’t spend time with Him? I can’t. That is why He tells us that spending time with Him is better. It brings us peace, rest, contentment and so much more. I hope you will bake some warm cookies, find a quiet place, take a deep breathe and cuddle up with Jesus.

He is waiting for you and He holds the better portion.

Holding Fast to Hope,
Jen

Scripture References: Luke 10:38-42; Psalm 16:11