'But one thing is necessary'

The verse in the title is from Luke 10 and the story of Mary and Martha. Martha is rushing around trying to be a good hostess for Jesus who is visiting their home and Mary is just sitting listening to Jesus. When Martha demands that Jesus make Mary help her, Jesus tells her that she shouldn't worry about so many things but that only one thing is necessary, ie - Mary has found that one thing in listening and spending time with Jesus.

This story was preached by a visiting speaker at our church yesterday. It came at such a good time for me; definitely God at work there! I have been having a tough time the last week. Without going into too much detail, I have been struggling to keep perspective when struggling with the pressures of 2 children and feeling like I can't cope. It's been very emotional and it took me a while to admit I needed support but I feel more positive now after talking to a few people.

This verse has reminded me that a lot of the things I worry about don't matter. It doesn't matter if I have to abandon dinner and it's not ready when J gets home. It doesn't matter if the laundry basket is constantly full. It doesn't matter if the thank you cards are a bit late in being written. It doesn't matter if Chloe acts up a bit before bed. It doesn't matter if I constantly feed Livia to get her to stop crying.

My health visitor came round when I was having a particularly hard day and was SO helpful. She reminded me that my children are people - they cannot be controlled, will never be perfect and I shouldn't measure how 'successful' I am as a mother on how the day has gone. This tied in with the preach yesterday; the only thing that matters is God's grace. We cannot win salvation through works. I will not be a good mother by my own efforts but God working through me.

Please God help me to remember you and walk with you throughout the day, especially when I am losing perspective. Thank you that you go before me and are protecting my whole family. Help me to have grace for myself, my husband and my children.