There she stood, frustrated. Waving her arms and begging for
help. She was overwhelmed and exhausted. He could see it in the lines in her
face and the bags under her eyes. Careworn.
Oh how she had worked. Years of work had gone unseen and unappreciated.
His eyes softened as he perused her. She
was blinded by her busyness, convinced that what she needed was help and
recognition. He recognized her efforts, nevertheless he knew recognition was
not what she needed. He could laud her and praise her and she would feel better
momentarily. But the praise would only compel her to work harder. No, she
didn't need accolades; she needed rest. He pondered the words he would say,
knowing that at first she would hate to hear them. He pictured her initial reaction
and ached inside. But how could he give her what she wanted, when that meant
withholding the very truth that would set her free?
He glanced at her sister who sat rigid at his feet as accusations
stacked up against her. His compassion stirred for both of them. Hurt and
weariness motivated the torrent. He knew his friend longed to sit at his feet
as well, but wouldn't allow herself to stop when she'd convinced herself she
had to work.
Yes, what she desperately needed was rest.
Inwardly, he grimaced before he spoke. His voice was tender,
though he knew she would perceive it as harsh. "Martha, Martha, you are
weary and upset over many things. But few things are needed--indeed only one.
Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her."
He watched her face fall as his words sank in. He wanted to pull
her next to him and comfort her, but he waited. Eyes blurred by tears, she
stumbled out of the room. He watched her go--willing himself to wait--before
sitting down to resume his teaching. And he waited. The seconds stretched to
minutes which stretched to over an hour. He longed for her to come. To forget
everything that made her frantic and to experience the moment. It wasn't the
same without her. But she had a choice and he couldn't make it for her.
If only she would come and be.
And you know what?
She did.
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
