Martha or Mary?

“Martha welcomed them into her home. Her sister, Mary sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was worrying over the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, ‘Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.’ But the Lord said to her, ‘My dear Martha, you are so upset over all these details! There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it and I won’t take it away from her.’” Luke 10:38-42. (NLV). Manic Monday is here again. Our weeks are consumed with necessary tasks. Tasks like taking the kids to school, going to work, cooking dinner, cleaning the house, doing laundry, helping with homework, running errands, driving the kids to activities, and attending meetings. We all love our families. Some of us love our work (most of the time) and some of us even love some of the mundane tasks necessary for everyday life. Even so, what are the simple pleasures for you in life? What makes you happy? What do you do to unwind? What helps you relax? It varies for me. Sometimes after a long mentally exhausting day at the office, I like to sit in front of the TV watching a mindless show that requires no thinking. Other times exercise, a warm bath, watching my favorite team play, a game with family, or dinner with my family or friends helps me unwind and relax. Also, chocolate always makes me happy. As humans we do lots of things for pleasure and relaxation like beach or ski vacations, dancing, participating in sports, or attending sporting events. We need rest and relaxation. We need to recharge our batteries and do something purely for fun or we will burnout and not be any good to ourselves or anyone else. All of these things are nice and provide temporary pleasure and relaxation. Do not get me wrong. I am not saying there is anything wrong with watching TV, eating sweets, exercising, playing sports or attending sporting events. The fleeting pleasures of this earth provide temporary pleasure for all of us at times. However, there are other times that my soul stirs so loudly and I long to sit at Jesus’ feet; because, that is the only place my soul will find contentment. The things of this earth cannot quash the discontent inside me. It is in Jesus that my soul finds lasting pleasure, solace, rest, peace and fulfillment. Where do you sit at Jesus' feet? For me, it is my bedroom or our office where I shut myself away from my family to spend some alone time with Jesus. Martha was so consumed with the necessary everyday tasks that she failed to spend time with Jesus enjoying his company and listening to him teach. Mary sat at His feet drinking in every word. Oh how I long to be Mary, but know that I am Martha the majority of the time. Instead of longing for the fleeting pleasures of watching a mindless TV sitcom or consuming a piece of chocolate, I pray that I will find lasting pleasure sitting at the feet of Jesus. I pray Jesus will be my place of rest and relaxation. We all crave deeper fulfillment that only God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit can provide. May we all find pleasure in sitting at the Triune God's feet. Prayer: Jesus, please help me to seek you daily, to sit at your feet and hear what you want to teach and share with me. For you are the only source of pleasure, fulfillment, peace, and rest. Rachel Olsen is having a devotion carnival today. Please check out her blog at Rachel Olsen to read more devotions on simple pleasures.