“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But 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 all the work by myself? Tell her to help me.” “Martha, Martha.” The Lord answered, “You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary as chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42
When you read a book, watch a TV show or a movie do you identify with a character? I think we all probably do this to some extent. Reading the Bible is no different. Do you identify with David – slaying giants? Maybe Moses or Jonah who didn’t answer God the first time He called? What about Adam and Eve who disobeyed God’s command?
Well, there is a certain person in the Bible I seem to identify with most of the time – Martha. Martha didn’t seem to set the right priorities. She was so busy taking care of daily chores that she missed time with Jesus. You see, in my “younger” days I didn’t always set the right priorities.
One such example is the priority I once had with my job. I loved my job; I got to travel, meet wonderful people, and had great people surrounding me each day. My children were grown and pursuing their own careers. My husband was still working. Not much existed that enticed me to retire. I never hated going to work and probably would not have been retired now except – life happened. I gained some wisdom – I think God tried whispering softly to me at first, then tried tapping me lightly on the shoulder, and when that didn’t work he hit me over the head. My parents loved to travel, but they were advancing in age and their trips became fewer each year. They had, for several years, ask me to join them on one of their adventures. It was never a convenient time for me. But they continued to ask. Well, that hit over the head I got was a statement I received from a doctor – YOU HAVE CANCER. A life changing event. I went through treatment and continued working. However, I was rapidly coming to the realization that work was not high on my priority list anymore. My parents once again ask me to accompany them on a trip. I did not hesitate, I said, Yes. I loved my job, but I loved my family more. I not only went on that trip with them, I retired. I had the most wonderful beginning to retired life. I had the privilege of being able to help take care of my parents the last few years of their life on this earth.
I gained time to be more like Mary. Now I’m not saying I have put my Martha side aside, but I have found more time to be more like Mary.
Freedom to set our priorities is one of our greatest powers. We owe it to ourselves to use this power wisely. Maybe taking a few classes offered by the Conference or the District will spark an interest in you. Maybe a class will open your eyes to a new way of being in ministry. We would love to share some time with you.
Blessings,
Jackie
If you are interested in becoming a Certified Lay Servant or Certified Lay Speaker or would just like to take a course that would show ways that you can serve please contact:
Roxie Cauley at roxiemc51@yahoo.com Or Jackie Attaway at jattaway@ec.rr.com
If you would like to view past editions of SOUNDS: From Jackie and Roxie, follow this link: https://sounddistrictnc.org/category/lay-servant-ministries/