The Martha Syndrome

I know you know me, but we haven't talked in so long, I feel like I need to introduce myself again. I'm Martha. I'm a servant. When people need help I'm always there for them. Hungry? I'll make you dinner. Tired? Take my pillow. Stressed? Here's some herbal tea, scented candles, and a bubble bath. Need someone to talk to? Well - certainly. Let me just put some dirty clothes in the washer and I'll make us a snack. Oh, and I almost forgot that I have to check facebook to see if anyone has...

What? You want to talk now? Well, I still have my work clothes on and there's so much to do. I have a meeting tonight and I need to get to bed early because tomorrow I have to...

Excuse me? You're coming to my house? Now? I mean, wow, that's great. But, before you come over I need to make sure the dishes are washed and the dog hair is vacuumed up...

You're already here? I just don't have time to...to...

I'm doing it again aren't I? Why do I always find myself at this place. I want a relationship with You, but I just don't stop. I give and give and give - but I find with all this giving, I give away so much that I give away my identity. When I do that, I find myself empty and I've lost the most important thing. Yes, being a servant is good - in fact, it's absolutely wonderful. However, when I find myself basing my identity, my value, my success on how much I can give, I miss the point.

Oh, look, here comes Mary. She's the kind of sister you'd love to hate...but you just can't help but love. She lives her life in the moment, not worrying about this and that. She just embraces each moment as it comes. I know she's going to go right past the unwashed dishes, the unprepared food, the dog hair on the floor, and go straight to You and kneel at Your feet. No distractions, no worries, no thoughts in the back of her mind about what needs to be done. She simply delights in her Lord. Her Creator. Her Savior. Her Jesus...

Oh God! I want that! I need that. All my works - I intend to do good, but they mean nothing if I can't take time to thank You, Jesus, for what You've done for me. I give to everyone around me, but I forget to give to You - to give You the praise You deserve.

Bring me back to my knees so I can fall in love again with the One my heart longs for...the One that gives meaning to my life.

January 26, 2009