Being surrounded by nature and beauty and getting my feet muddy made me desperately miss being at camp. I feel almost useless this summer. Yes, I have a job at Pier 1 now (for which I am very very grateful)...but just how much am I going to change the world by selling people a $150 ceramic Amitabha Buddha that they think looks "trendy"?
It might seem strange- me, some sort of Buddhist-Christian "mutt" longing to be at church camp, but I'm a Martha. You know-
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" (Luke 10)
I enjoy making preparations, making sure things run smoothly. As much as they drained me, I loved those 10 hour days on the challenge course watching the kids have fun and learn and interact. I loved setting their campfires and tending to them while the camps worshiped. Hell I loved doing dishes!
I want to serve. It fulfills me.
But this weekend I realized that maybe it's time to let Martha rest for awhile. Maybe it's time to discover my inner Mary.
41"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10)
It's time to sit and listen...to my friends and family, to those older and younger than me, to those who love and those who hate me.
It's time to listen to myself. To sit quietly and seek understanding.
To listen to God.
It's difficult to keep perspective when there is tragedy and sadness in the world.
But I was reminded this weekend that life really is good and I really am blessed.
Now all I need to do is learn to keep my mouth shut when others are talking...because I never know what amazing things they might have to say...
2 comments:
Alas, the lot of a Libra.
The Martha role is a valiant one to be sure, but I wish you the best of luck in making the transition to Mary. The Marys of the world rarely deal with suffocating hippopotamuses (hippopotami?) doing clean up in New Orleans.
But please don't ever lose yourself.
The world needs Lindsey Arnolds.
My Dear Lindsey,
More and More I know why I love you so much. I just how that you know that you make a big differents in peoples lifes if you think that you are being a Martha or not.
I agree with the person before me. "THE WORLD NEEDS LINDSEY ANN ARNOLD!"
I said it in all big letters so you know I mean it. lol.
As always my friend, I love you.
Maggie
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