Martha, Martha

Bible Reading: Psalm 27:1-3; Isaiah 41:10

Jude was doing his schoolwork at the kitchen table when Dad got home. They talked for a little while, and then Dad had a question for Mom. “Are you getting as much as I am out of that devotional we both decided to use?” he asked her. “Today’s Bible reading helped me make a decision about a problem I had at work.”

“That’s great!” said Mom. “What was today’s reading about? I’m afraid I haven’t gotten around to reading it the last couple of days,” she admitted. “I’ve been so busy lately! The hours fly by so fast, and I never get everything done.”

“Oh, Martha, Martha,” Dad said lovingly.

“Um, Dad? Mom’s name is Jennifer, not Martha,” Jude reminded his father.

Mom and Dad both laughed. “Martha is the name we use when one of us gets too busy and starts acting like Martha in the Bible,” Dad explained. “Remember that story? Martha was so busy preparing and serving food when Jesus and His disciples came over that she didn’t have time to sit and learn at Jesus’s feet.”

“I have to admit, that’s what’s been happening to me lately,” said Mom. “I’ve allowed things to keep me from what’s really important—spending time with Jesus and letting Him remind me of the peace, hope, and joy I have in Him.” She pointed to the floor. “I could have let this floor stay dirty a little longer instead of mopping it this morning, and I suppose it wouldn’t have been the end of the world if I had bought cookies to bring to small group tonight instead of making them.”

Dad smiled. “Well, the day isn’t over yet. Why don’t I cook dinner so you can do your Bible reading?”

Mom gave Dad a kiss. “That would be wonderful. I’ll just go into the other room and sit at Jesus’s feet for a few minutes.”

Just then Kylie came bursting into the kitchen. “Where’s my Bible?” she demanded. “I’m in charge of devotions tonight at youth group and I haven’t had a minute to prepare all week!”

“Oh, Martha, Martha,” said Mom. Jude and Dad laughed. “You explain,” Mom told them as she left the kitchen.

–Lyndel F. Walker