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Where’s Mary?

Facebook reminded me just yesterday that I had written a post about Mary on December 7, 2013. Hmmm…could it have anything to do with this time of year?  I think it just might! I bring her story to you again, but with a little different perspective in 2017.

Just a little background information for anyone not familiar with the story—Jesus came to see Mary and Martha at their house. It was a big deal! Martha got all caught up in the preparations—cooking, cleaning, etc., only to find her sister Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus taking in His every word. Martha was a little miffed with Mary’s lack of help and brought it to Jesus’ attention…

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.””                      Luke 10:41-42 NIV

Are you more like Mary or Martha? Chime in by leaving a comment below if you don’t mind. I would estimate that I’m about 90% Martha and 10% Mary. That’s not something for which I’m proud. My imbalance tends to rear its ugly head most in December. I am a taskmaster. Though I generally don’t have a written “to do” list, I can assure you that when my feet hit the ground in the morning, I have a pretty good idea of what I hope to accomplish that day. It brings me great pleasure to check things off, even if only in my head! The combination of introvert and taskmaster only magnifies the Martha in me.

It takes a concerted effort on my part to turn off Martha and reach for my inner Mary. There have been countless times that I have gotten caught up in my own agenda and failed to do what was better all because I was more concerned about checking something off my list. Those times I actually get it right tend to stand out. There were three such occasions in the past week and God blessed me incredibly for choosing people over tasks. I came away with a joy-filled heart that energized me to complete my tasks!!

When questioned by a Pharisee about the greatest commandment—-

“Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”  Matthew 22:37-39 NLT

It seems loving others trumps getting things done. Does that verse cause you to take a closer look at your priorities? It does me. There are plenty of things to do that are good, important, and even necessary. In fact, completing many of those tasks is a demonstration of love for those God has put before us. Let’s not be too hard on Martha. Her preparations were an expression of love for Jesus too. BUT, Jesus says Mary chose what was better.

Let’s commit to filtering our “to do” lists through the great commandment so that loving others well is a recurring theme. May we each follow Mary’s example and choose that which is better.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must go and revise my list….

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The Power of the Tongue

Earlier this week I had a rare day with nothing on the calendar and decided that would be a good day to write, especially since I haven’t done that for quite some time. The only problem—I had no material floating around in my head. I took that concern to God that morning and never gave it much thought the remainder of the day. When I woke up the next morning, I was pretty much hit right between the eyes with writing material. You see, I’m currently doing a small group study with a friend titled “Watch Your Mouth” by Tony Evans. In addition, the Bible App sends me the Verse of the Day each morning and that particular day the verse was Proverbs 13:3—

Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.”

As soon as I let that sink in I went to my current reading plan in that same app. I am about a week into a plan called “Joy for All Seasons” by Carol Burton McLeod and the reading that day was all about controlling the tongue. Gee, do you think God is trying to make a point? I’m a slow learner so it is not surprising that it took three different strategies to get my attention.

The tongue is a small, but mighty, muscle located inside our mouths about halfway between our brain and our heart. It seems our brain and heart have much to say about what rolls off our tongue. What we think and feel determines what comes out of our mouths. That little one pound muscle can pack quite a punch! My husband can vouch for that as he is often on the receiving end. Unfortunately, the one who deserves the best version of me, often gets the worst of me instead. I’m not quite as reserved within the walls of my own house as I am in public. I imagine my kids would second that. Can you relate?

I suppose this is normal, but that doesn’t make it right. James is in agreement. He says,

“People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!”                      ‭‭ James‬ ‭3:7-10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

More than a week has passed since I started writing this post. During that time I seem to have developed a greater awareness of my words and how I use them. James says our tongue can be used to both bless and curse. I don’t know about you, but using my tongue to bless others sounds far more appealing to me. In one of his letters, the Apostle Paul urges the Thessalonians:

“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”                    1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Encouragement—what a great way to bless someone with our tongue!

For many, Thanksgiving presents an opportunity to gather with family and friends to celebrate God’s bounty in our lives. That, in turn, presents us with another opportunity—-the opportunity to control our tongue. Let’s choose wisely and use it to bless rather than curse.

I know just where to start—-rather than our annual heated discussion on gravy that involves questioning just who is in charge of making it, I vow to give my husband total gravy control and keep my mouth shut this year. I might just even tell him that it’s good!!

 

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YOLO

I’m a slow learner when it comes to “text speak”—it’s hard to keep all those acronyms straight! I learned a new one from my daughter while standing in line for the tallest rollercoaster at Hersheypark recently: YOLO—You Only Live Once! I had a choice to make—I could shake things up a bit (literally), stay in line, and experience the thrill that was intended or I could play it safe, as I often do, get out of line, and miss out. Though my sweaty palms had me second-guessing my choice, the decision had already been made before we stepped foot into the park that day. As my daughter’s riding buddy, I had vowed to ride whatever she wanted…ONCE anyhow! Why?? Because You Only Live Once. Though I had made my decision before being introduced to this acronym, YOLO was essentially what drove me to venture beyond the safety of my comfort zone.

There are quite a few life experiences that have led me to this place, one of which was standing in line next to me that day at Hersheypark. I tend to get very reflective this time of year as my daughter celebrates her birthday. She faced an uphill battle from the time she was diagnosed with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia in the womb and that battle continues to this day. Roughly 50% don’t survive it, but here we are, riding rollercoasters at Hersheypark 21 years later. Though I’m still a planner by nature and relish those times when my ducks are in a row, the truth is, life is unpredictable…and precious. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed for any of us, so don’t miss out on the opportunities that present themselves today.

Jesus went to great lengths to give us life—the greatest, in fact. He gave His very own life to save us from our sins and restore us to a right relationship with the Father. Out of love and compassion, He did that for you and for me. Jesus went to the cross and paid the penalty for our sins so we could have life—not just ordinary life, but abundant life.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so they can have life. I want them to have it in the fullest possible way.”

John 10:10 NIRV

May we be as passionate about living life as Jesus was about giving it!

Thanking God for the lessons I’ve learned through and from my precious daughter. Happy 21st Birthday, Hillary Jayne!

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A Work In Progress

Last week I celebrated the 6th anniversary of my elbow surgery. Seems like a silly thing to celebrate, huh? Well, in my case, there’s cause for celebration. Much progress has been made since May 19, 2011. You see, things didn’t quite go as planned. The tendon had completely torn from the bone so proceeding with surgery was the only sensible option at that point. It was the aftermath that was completely unexpected.  For some unknown reason, every joint up and down my right arm, including my fingers, essentially “froze” and there was very limited mobility as a result. There is no need to bore you with all the details. I will just say that my life for the first four years following surgery consisted of countless doctor appointments, various types of therapy, and pills of every description, all with the goal of restoring my range of motion and managing the pain. For the last two years of the six, I am pleased to say that the doctor appointments and pills have been minimal and the therapy mainly consists of getting in the pool to keep things moving. To the eye, my physical issues go undetected by most at this point.

I won’t soon forget May 19th (for a few reasons actually—one of my sisters has a birthday that day). That date causes me to stop and reflect on where I was, where I am now and all the progress that has been made in between those two points. As I do that, there is a verse that really speaks to me. I remember learning it in a small group study somewhere along the way. The verse is tucked into the story of God making a covenant promise to David through the prophet Nathan that secured David’s, as well as his family’s, place on the throne. This is David’s response:

Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and prayed, “Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?”        

2 Samuel 7:18 NLT

I don’t know why my surgery had a bad outcome, but I do know this—it is only by the grace of God that I have come THIS far. He has seen me through each step along the way, supplying everything I need just when I need it. My journey back from elbow surgery is much like my spiritual journey—-I’m not where I want to be, but I’m not where I was either. I believe we refer to that as progress! As long as I have breath, He’s not done with me yet. I am a work in progress with the goal being to look more like Jesus each day.

So what’s your story? I know I’m not alone. We’ve all stumbled upon roadblocks along life’s path at one point or another. They come in all shapes and sizes. What circumstances have you feeling defeated today? Don’t give up! He will make a way where there is no way. I share with you the words of Paul:

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:19 NLT

It’s true for me and it’s true for you too. Someday you’ll look in the rearview mirror just as I tend to do on May 19th and you will be equally amazed that He has brought you THIS far!