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

Six months ago, my aunt sent me this beautiful collage card she made.  Inside she wrote, “This is a reminder to be gentle on ourselves.”

Collage card by Bonnie Bailiff

I need this reminder almost every day.  For half a year I’ve kept this card out where I could see it . . . see the woman curled up napping even while the sun shines upon her, while the house waits to be cleaned, while the cake waits to be baked, while the internet with all its tasks sleeps beneath her closed laptop.  She embodies the quiet serenity I crave.

Today, without planning, I became that woman for a few minutes.  The boys were at school, and my “Martha self” had a frenzied list of things to accomplish.   I felt fatigue creeping into my back as I forced myself to press through some kitchen tasks.  Just for a moment–, my “Mary self” whispered as I walked toward Beautiful Outlaw by John Eldridge, waiting beside the couch.

Reading about Jesus, the sweetest of sleeps surprised me.  When I woke up, it was as if He had been singing me a lullaby.  Refreshed, my first waking emotion was a flicker of joy as I noticed the praise songs, which I had turned on during my chores, playing while the sun shone through the stained glass window.

Jesus had given me what I’d been longing for, what I needed so much more than checking off items on a list.

My dear Martha sisters, “be gentle on yourselves.”  The tasks are never ending.  Sit down for a moment and experience His rest.

“ ‘Come to me all you who are a weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’ ”  Matthew 11:28