Candle lighter
Again, welcome to Exodus during the season of advent! We are reflecting on Jesus’ arrival here on earth over 2000 years ago, and rejoicing together as we await His promised return. During this season, it is so easy to feel distracted from what is truly important. For example….
The busy mom
I never knew being a mom would be so difficult. What I wouldn’t give for just one moment of rest! It seems the minute I sit down I start creating a list in my head of all the things I need to do before I crawl, utterly exhausted, into bed. Especially during the holiday season.
I am simply surrounded by tasks. I never get one thing done well. Everything is simply an interruption to everything else. Phone calls to make, cookies to bake, presents to buy, parties to attend, a house to keep clean, church services to plan for. It would be nice if everyday life could be put on hold through these months. But I still have bills to pay, errands to run, laundry to do….and on top of all this, I have this constant pressure to maintain relationships, volunteer, exercise, keep up with the latest news, be a good Facebook friend, and the icing on the cake, I have to make sure I am taking care of the environment by recycling! I feel guilty if I throw the used wrapping paper away after we open presents!
I grew up being told I could have it all. And I wanted it all. Up until a few years ago, I believed it was possible. But now, I’m simply anxious and worried and distracted by a million things.
But what if only one thing was needed?
Candle lighter
The gospel writer, Luke, records this story: “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.’ Jesus came that we would have one thing, Himself. Lord, we are so scattered. Unite our hearts to fear Your name.
