#thesamepage // Many Things



{pallet art by a cup of lindsey jo}



Martha, Martha.  You are worried and bothered about so many things, but only one thing is necessary.  Luke 10:41-42


Blair, Blair.  You are worried and bothered about so many things, but only one thing is necessary...  Can you put your name into that scripture (I can!)?  What are your "many things?"

a snippet from Grace for the Good Girl, Emily (the author) talking about the time she was asked what her many things were:

When I heard that [question], the tears were surprising and immediate.  I thought to myself, Oh girl.  Do you have a week?  Because my many things list was deep and wide.  It was the regular day things, like home keeping, foodmaking, clothes washing, and children rearing.  And at that particular moment, it was also the dream-wishing things, the stuff of later and someday all mixed in with right now.  My many things list felt heavy and impossible.  I had so many things. 
And then Renee spoke of the choice we have to receive the gift of rest, because we have a God who sees and cares and notices.  He will not come undone.  He remains un-overwhelmable. 
I wanted to stand up, clap, and whistle.  I wanted to burst into the ugly cry.  More, I wanted to give myself permission to sit down on the inside and live like I have a God who knows what he's doing. *

Gosh, it's hard to stop the snippet there and not share more (you really need to get the book).  Emily goes on to write about how we can get caught up in a life of performance when we are choosing to please God -- that even though it feels right at first, choosing to please, is not the same as trusting Him.  

Martha might have very well thought she was doing what Jesus would have required for her.  Working hard and preparing dinner.  Showing him that she wasn't lazy and that she was hospitable.  Doing things in His name.  Being a servant. A performance.  Look at me.  I am worthy.  I am good.  

Mary knew that all the stress of preparing a meal, or the guests, or appearances, or planning... all of that pales in light of a present Savior.  She choose to say no to those things.  She sat at his feet.  

If I am trying to please God, it is difficult to trust God.  But when I trust God, pleasing him is automatic. 
Anything we do to get life and identity outside of Christ is an idol, even service to Christ.  He doesn't want my service, He wants me.  And from that life-giving relationship, "streams of living water will flow from within" (John 7:38 NIV). 
So serve.  By all means, serve.  But don't do it from behind a martyr's mask of duty or self-righteous obligation.  By faith, believe that you are free to do it from a place of toal and complete acceptance by the only One who is extraordinary. *

Okay I had to give you more snippet because of how much her words hit me.  Do they hit you?  What are your many things?  Do you wear a martyr's mask?  Or do you rest in grace and mercy, letting the many things fall off?  

Lord, when I am tempted to to choose to hide behind the mask of my many things, bind my wandering heart to thee! 

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If you are reading along, link up this week's posts below and use #thesamepage on twitter/instagram to share what you're learning.  Try to make it over and meet some of the other girls who you are reading along side.  Community is what its about people! Next thursday we'll link up covering chapters 6-8.  Let Rachael or I know if you have any questions. 

What is #thesamepage?  Start Here.  
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Comments

  1. It depends, it really does. I sometimes let the pity party become pretty epic, while other times I just roll up my sleeves and whistle while I go forth and conquer.
    But this story is such a great way to measure where I am in life. I often think of it in the midst of service. Am I like Martha? Or Mary?

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  2. Ohh Blair, your honesty and wit make me smile. I too can hear Jesus whisper, "Brooke, Brooke, you and your many things."

    PS- I just received an email telling me my 3rd Stitchfix shipment is on its way! I know that you can identify with my girly giggles of excitement over that!

    xo,
    Brooke
    http://bits-of-brooke.blogspot.com

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  3. I loved the chapter about Martha; I also loved that Emily made me feel less guilty about identifying with her. Wonderful post; thanks so much for sharing!

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