So there I was, standing in my kitchen getting ready to tackle the rest of my to-do list, when my three year old son grabbed my hand and sweetly said, “Let’s make brownies, Mom.”
My typical reaction would have been to say, “No, not now, Mommy has lots to do.” But as I started to reply back to him, I felt a tiny tug on my heart and the Holy Spirit whisper, “No, make brownies.”
It had already been a busy day. We had an early dentist appointment, ran errands, homeschooled, did chores, had Karate and, somehow I had even managed to squeeze in a workout. Despite all we had accomplished at that point, I still had tasks to check off and the day was quickly slipping away. I wanted to say no, but I knew at that moment what the Lord wanted me to do. So, I threw out my to-do list and said, “Okay, let’s make brownies.” After seeing the radiating joy on my son’s chocolate covered face, I knew I had made the right choice. He needed me right there in that moment to give him my full attention and spend time with just him. We created a memory that I know both him and I will remember for years to come. My to-do list waited until the next day and I had a renewed outlook and feeling of peace.
Taste and See that the Lord is good
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him. -Psalm 34:8
Many of you know the story in Luke 10 about Martha and Mary.
Now while they were on their way, Jesus entered a village [called Bethany], and a women named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord’s feet and was continually listening to His teaching. But Martha was very busy and distracted with all her serving responsibilities; and she approached Him and said, “Lord, is it of no concern to You that my sister has left me to do the serving alone? Tell her to help me and do her part.” But the Lord replied to her “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered and anxious about many things, but one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part [that which is to her advantage], which will not be taken away from her.” -Luke 10: 40-42 AMP
Now even though my name is Mary, in relation to this story I have to admit I am totally like Martha. I often get caught up in the “to do.” I know this about myself and understand my personality. It’s important to understand though, Jesus wasn’t attacking Martha’s personality or criticizing her servant’s heart and drive, He was just trying to get her attention! He wanted her to pause and just sit in His presence. She was so busy she wasn’t aware of the amazing encounter she was having. The Son of God was in her home, in the flesh! Wait! What? I mean, seriously that’s a pretty big deal! I hate to think of all the moments I have missed with Jesus because I was so busy tackling my agenda. I’m not sure about you, but I know sometimes I can get consumed with all the things I have to do in this earthly realm. I forget that Jesus is right there, waiting for me to enter into His presence, to be still and listen. When we learn to listen, take time to read and meditate on His Word, and pray throughout the day, not only does our faith grow, but it helps to keep us grounded and connected to the true giver of peace.
Give Jesus Your Full Attention
The Lord has a sweet way of using my children to teach me lessons. Much like He uses everyday, ordinary examples in the Bible to teach lessons about faith. He is showing me that I have to be mindful and aware and sometimes let go of “my agenda.” If I don’t, I’ll miss out on precious moments, not just with my children but more importantly with Him. It seems that every time I need to stop, take a breath, and be present my three year old asks to make brownies. Seriously, this kid loves brownies; it’s at least once a week! I actually think he loves the process of making them more than the final product. Baking is something I enjoy doing, but I don’t usually decide to bake on a whim. I’m not a “on a whim” kind of gal. I am a list maker, goal setter, and “let me check my schedule” kind of gal. God has intentionally created me this way. Thankfully, these personality traits have helped me sustain a household while my husband is away for months at a time due to deployment and work. The Lord knew how important these traits would be for managing our not-so-typical lifestyle, but He has also shown me that you have to have a healthy balance between serving/doing and spending time with Him (without an agenda). When we feel that little tug on our heart we have to be able to set aside what we are doing and give Jesus our full attention.
And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. -Mark 12:30-31
Be Still, and Know That I Am God
Jesus is molding my heart to recognize when I need to surrender into His arms, when I need to take time to rest, and be in the moment. Times when I need to just bake brownies and enjoy the sweetness of His Word and wonder of His presence.
Have you paused today to be in God’s presence?
I pray you will take a moment today to be still, to surrender into His arms and let His peace wash over you. He is waiting and ready.
Be still, and know that I am God. -Psalm 46:4
Weekly Challenge:
- Will you commit to taking time this week to really seek out His presence?
- I encourage you to read through Philippians 4: 4-9.
- Then listen to “Holy Spirit” sung by Kari Jobe.
- For an added bonus- go make brownies! See the link below for our favorite brownies from scratch recipe. If you have children, get them involved to make for a special moment together!
By: Mary Martinez
