If anyone knows anything about being busy it is me. This past Sunday I went to church, attended a baby shower, then a birthday party and finished up with service at the Salvation Army. I am a wife and mother, I’m active in church, I work, I am a member of Toastmasters International, do service projects often, and I still have to make time for a happy hour or two.
In women’s ministry we are discussing a book entitle Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World written by JoAnn Weaver. 271 pages about the small story of Mary and Martha. In case you are not familiar with the story Jesus comes to the home of Mary and Martha. Mary sits at the feet of Jesus and listens intently to everything he has to say while Martha slaves in the kitchen to prepare food and serve God. Martha is irritated at the fact that Mary is not helping her and is further frustrated that Jesus notices and applauds Mary’s non-participation or assistance, but what Jesus is saying is far more important than her busy work.
Does this apply to you? I am in no way comparing your children to Jesus but does the story apply. On the average day I go to to work, attempt to come home and cook a healthy meal, wash dishes, get a load of clothes in and one folded, vacuum, teach Keenan something, give a bath, try to exercise, and get ready for the next day. That is in addition to most days picking up and dropping him off at day care due to my husbands busy work schedule. I’m sure most of you have even more to do than what I just mentioned but the point is there are many chores and responsibilities that need to be completed and there are simply not enough hours in the day to accomplish it all. Are you getting lost in the hustle and bustle of life and neglecting your kids? I’m not criticizing…sure you talk to them and maybe they help with the chores but are you forgetting to enjoy them?
I think Keenan was just turning 2 and I was giving him a bath. He was having so much fun and I do not know what came over me but I wanted to join in the fun he was having. Completely clothed I hopped in the tub with him. For an hour we splashed water all over the place and played with toys laughing all the while. For that moment in time nothing else mattered. I’m sure that is how Mary felt sitting at the feet of Jesus so engulfed in all he had to say. At that moment in time I remember what it felt like as a child to play in the tub all the while creating an experience with Keenan. He will not remember that in a million years but I will. Not only did it remove the stress for a while, I placed the biggest smile on his face at that moment in time and I love to hear his laughter (especially when it is uncontrollable). He laughed uncontrollably for the whole hour. My husband came in from work with the biggest look of confusion on his face but I didn’t care about his judgment. It was a memory I have for life now.
Don’t let life pass you by and wonder where the time went. I am not saying forget all about your responsibility but it is okay for a moment in time to just let it all go. Keenan is 3 and I can already see how quickly the time goes. The older he gets the fewer moments will I be afforded to take advantage of so I am learning to take advantage while I can. I have moments of fussing and molding and working but I have learned to incorporate moments that are for him and I only.
Sneak them out of school early for ice cream or bowling, pitch a tent in the living room and camp out, take a whole day to watch movies but what ever you do make it creative and sporadic. Doing so will increase the pleasure for both of you. Take advantage while you can. Martha had to realize what Mary already knew. The joy of Jesus was before her and she may never get that moment again and it was more to her benefit to enjoy it. The joys of your children are right in front of you and I guarantee while these moments will benefit you both it will benefit you more.
Stay motivated until next week.
The Sophisticated Boy
thesophisticatedboy.com 