Are you a Mary or a Martha?

Are you naturally someone who finds it easy to stop, take time out, sit in contemplation and pray? Or do you find yourself busy with the various important tasks that need doing, and wish there was more hands to help do them?

Perhaps there is both a bit of Mary and of Martha in us all. I enjoy taking time out to pray, whether on a walk, in a church or in my office. But I must admit to finding it all too easy to fill my day with the many tasks that need doing.

This Sunday’s reading (Luke 10. 38-42) reminds us that the better way is to make time to talk with God. In our busy lives that will be a conscious choice which will require a discipline to maintain. No amount of effort, activity and striving will ever substitute receiving the grace that only God offers. Our invitation is to live in the unforced rhythms of grace, offered by Jesus.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me, watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11. 28-30

We are entering a season where each of our churches in the benefice is invited to think about the future they desire. The future for both them as a church, and for their local community.

As we conduct this conversation, we are encouraged that God has a future for us. Not simply a distant promise for after our day, but an exciting future that awaits us right now. We will be thinking about all of the things which we can do to serve those around us. Like Martha.

However, unless we are also spending time in prayer, listening to God’s still small voice, then our efforts will come to nothing. If we find ourselves saying “I wish there were more hands to help” then perhaps we need to become a little more like Mary.

Please join the conversation. Please think about those you know, who are not yet engaged in our church life, but who’s voice we need to listen to. And please pray. Thank you.

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash