There are times in all of our lives when the stress level goes up a few notches. Maybe your son is in the hospital. Maybe you’re moving. Maybe your daughter is trying a new medicine and you can’t get the dosage figured out, so she isn’t sleeping and doesn’t want to eat. No matter what the cause, there are times when we have to focus on what’s most important and put everything else on autopilot.
My friend Stephanie is in a season like that. Her teenage son has disabilities and was recently diagnosed with leg cancer. They are in and out of the hospital for chemo and all thoughts of menu planning, laundry folding, and even getting her hair cut are out the window. Most of her days are spent in her son’s hospital room, keeping him as calm and comfortable as possible. But she’s an inspiration to me, reminding me of the most important things to focus on when life is extra stressful. It’s a lesson Martha, friend of Jesus, learned too.
Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:38-42).
What Martha was doing was important—she had a house full of people to feed and care for. Hospitality was vital in that day when people relied on each other and not hotels and restaurants when traveling. But she wasn’t just serving, she was so preoccupied with serving, she forgot why she was serving. She forgot enjoy the people who were visiting, especially Christ. He left the full room of friends to seek her out and remind her not to be anxious or troubled, but to focus on what was most important. That day it was fellowship with Jesus, the good portion.
My friend Stephanie continues to set that example for me as well. She focuses first on Christ and spending time with Him each day in that hospital. Then she moves on to what else is most important, her son and his treatments. Even if you aren’t living in a hospital at the moment, you can learn from her as I have.
Source: Special Needs Parenting- Key Ministry
