Come and Be -- Another Perspective

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.