I love this time of year, as it’s my birthday, then Trick or Treating which we tried for the first time this week, and loved, then bonfire night and then Jonathan’s birthday. So there are lots of nice things happening, and opportunities to get together with friends.
I am a notorious party-goer, and prior to becoming a mum, this was the main preoccupation of my life. Entertaining the kids is now my top priority when I get home from work, and the main row me and Steve have is that I am not helping out enough around the house, and just play all the time! I do try and keep up with his high standards but mainly fail.
I am also guilty though of ignoring the children to do jobs around the house at the weekend, just because playing with jigsaws or lego, doesn’t seem enough of an occupation when there are other things that need doing. I am constantly thinking, if I just nip next door now, then I could put that away or do a bit or ironing, and then have the kids following me around saying mum, mum, come back! I think about work priorities, but not about how I could enjoy my marriage with my lovely husband more, or make time for my family as much as I could. Sometimes I end up biting my Dad’s head off when he is trying to talk to me about something he’s been doing.
I was discussing these issues with a lady from church last weekend who’s son is the same age as me, and he has had to give up work following a brain tumour. I kind of felt like I don’t have anything to worry about when I see how she handles her life. We were both in good form as we had been listening to the lovely Joan Sargeant talking at St Paul’s. My friend reminded me of the following passage, and how important it is to make time for space for ourselves and for God…
Luke 10:38-42
At the Home of Martha and Mary
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
inspiredinyork 