Most often the calls for my service have not been on my calendar. Someone I love, or someone I can empathize with, was in need of my presence, hands, feet immediately, or as soon as I could get there. These powerful calls were inconvenient. Clothes, toothbrush, medications were grabbed and pushed into the book bag found at the side of my bed. I hastily drove to the corner store and studied Google Maps while the gas was pumping. Headed out into the dusk on highways punctuated with speeding lane-changers. Service, the action of helping or doing work for someone, replaced comfortable familial routines.
The recipients of my service sometimes criticized my efforts. Questioned my motives. Their body language and actions did not convey appreciation. Sometimes the service was exhausting, physically challenging, unpleasant. So, where was the joy in this service?
For me, the joy was in knowing God, my Father, had called me to the service, Jesus knew my struggles and was by my side, and the Holy Spirit was enabling me to serve with supernatural energy. When I stilled the inner dialogue that followed the unanticipated call and replaced it with prayer, I immediately felt God’s Presence. A grin replaced the anxiousness. Sometimes I giggled at the realization that the Holy Trinity was riding shotgun with me.
“Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:5-7, NKJV)
*Janna Wright, “5 Lessons Women Can Learn from Mary and Martha,” www.crosswalk.com
*Joel Stucki, “The Gospel for Mary and Martha, Dec. 13, 2016,” www.unlockingthebible
Kathryn Lamb attends St. Timothy’s Anglican Church in Spring.
I was educated in un-airconditioned southeast Texas public schools, but summered on the then rural Bolivar Peninsula in Gulf breezes. Stood next to my future husband (43 years!) in my 5th grade class photo (He wasn’t tall then.) I loved being a mama, love being a grandmother, was proud to have been a Texas public school teacher, and I am thankful that my grandmothers shared their faith in God with me.
