In high school, Melinda and I petitioned the guidance counselor to waive our vocational class requirement. AP chemistry and biology should count, we said, because they are vocational if you’re delusional enough in your youth to assume that of course you’ll become a doctor. And how lame would it be to have to take Foods I and Home Economics and Shop and Finance? When are you ever going to use classes like that in real life? We wanted to focus on important things.
{insert maniacal laughter}
We were almost as serious about school as we were about church. We even went to a nursing home every week and sang. Tracey came with us, and that was good for the poor residents tortured by our efforts, as Tracey was the only one of us who could carry a tune.
When we studied the New Testament, I thought that Martha, the house-owner sister of Mary and Lazarus, the woman who would rather clean and prepare meals than sit at the feet of the Savior and hear the gospel from His own mouth, was inconceivable.
Then I had a husband, and an apartment of my own, guests coming for dinner or to stay. I had a kid and then a couple more, then a house of my own, and I wanted to say (as reverentially and humbly as possible):
“O Lord, hast thou ANY IDEA how much time, energy, anxiety, and preparation it takes to make mine hospitality ready for the succor of mine honored guests?”
Can you imagine the housework you’d undertake if the Lord were coming to visit?
A couple Sundays ago I baked six dozen chocolate cookies, two pans of rice krispie treats, and five dozen oatmeal butterscotch bars. I yelled at the kids, warned Dick away from the goodies. I scrambled to get ready for church and felt frazzled throughout the service.
When I saw Dick reading his scriptures on the couch as I slaved in the hot kitchen I snapped. (I may have said that one naughty word that Susan keeps repeating at the most inopportune of moments).
That evening, as Sally and I sat at the church ‘do (baptism preview) I’d baked for, I finally relaxed enough to listen to the hymns and feel the Spirit. I squeezed Sally’s hand and considered my life.
Holy cow, I’m a moron.
So my motto for this holiday season comes from Psalms 46:10:
Be still, and know that I am God.
I’m going to be still. Stare at my kids. Snuggle with Dick. Use paper plates. Simplify gift-giving. Bake only four kinds of pie.
And I’m going to realize that the only “experience” I need to give my kids is somehow helping them to know that He is God.
That’s what (I’m hoping) works for me.
Subscribe by email
I came to this same realization today. I had been frantically cleaning and cooking for two days and not giving my kids any attention. When they did get attention it involved me yelling. I had to pause this afternoon and remember WHY I am doing everything I do and what really is important. Is it more important that my house is spotless and everyone is impressed or is it more important that my little girl feels loved and valued? I am ashamed at my actions today and am now approaching the Holidays in a much better manner.
Love the scripture that you posted. I think I need to print it up large and put it several places for my harried self to see.
Amys last blog post..WFMW – Thanksgiving Macaroni
Before M was born, I used to be on the morning tea roster at church. With the BEST baker in the parish, one of those gorgeous grandmothers who you’d wish would adopt you as her own, who has been baking the same recipes for EVER, and every fourth Sunday has two cakes, two types of biscuit (cookies), shortbread, a savoury dip, and maybe brings along some cheese and crackers as well, you know, in case the congregation starves.
So I’d spend hours on the Saturday before the fourth Sunday baking (which I enjoy) – double batch of patty cakes, a blondie slice, and the biscuits that my Gran used to make. I loved it, and I loved it when people enjoyed my baking goodies.
Since M was born, I’ve baked maybe five times, and three of those times were for her parties – birthdays and her baptism. I just can’t justify the time. But, for my own enjoyment, I think every now and then, I should bake *something*, as much for me to enjoy the creation process, and involve M in it now, as anything else (although … 2yo, kitchen, baking … I would need to keep that scripture in my kitchen!).
Jane, I hope this does work for you, and I’m sure only four kinds of pie will be fine.
Kirstys last blog post..Flood pics
Sometimes when my mother is fussing about, especially on a Sunday, my dad lovingly refers to her as Martha and urges her to sit down.
Azúcars last blog post..Mid-Season
We all need to be reminded every now and then to slow down. It is so hard to enjoy the small things in life when you are bustling around trying to make things perfect for everyone else.
Hope you have a great Thanksgiving!
What a great reminder as we head into this crazy (but good!) season. Thank you!
I’ve always had a soft spot for Martha and tried to remember the loving lesson Jesus taught her.
And in an effort to simplify this year I bought my pies and my rolls. Which means I was simplifiying last Thanksgiving, too. And the one before that.
Oh, yeah. My first ever Christmas I made all the appetizers for our families annual Christmas appetizer get together – homemade shrimp toast, fried wontons, etc. etc. LOL!! Oh to be young, with only one child and boundless energy again! Now I throw some wings in the oven and we call it all good.
Thanks for reminding me of what is really important. Have a great Thanksgiving with your family! And please know that you have impacted my life. I really look forward to reading your posts.
only 4 kinds of pie???
brad’s making cherry and i’m making pumpkin as well as a pumpkin roll, to bring to my aunt’s house. i guess our family just doesn’t take the “feast” part too seriously. last year there were three pies and twelve people and most of it went to waste.
Memarie Lanes last blog post..Because Men Are Just Big Babies Anyway
Well said.
I have always read that scripture and focused on the “know that I am God” part. Today I will begin to focus on the “be still”. Thanks for the reminder.
You are such a good mom. I’ve never baked treats for anyone but myself and I usually eat the batter before the treats actually appear.
Take it down to two kinds of pie and you’ll feel even better. Thanks for the nice post…good to remember to stop now and then and just be.
Loved this post. Made me laugh out loud and nod in agreement. Happy Thanksgiving Jane!
Beths last blog post..The Perfect Christmas Tree
Jane – what a great post, and a great message. I wrote it on a post-it note and am going to carry it with me while preparing for the social aspects of this holiday season.
I have to share with you a phrase that caused a double take, and then a chuckle, “Holy cow, I’m a moron.” Except of course my brain processed the word “mormon.”
I thought “oh jeez, is she JUST now realizing that she’s a Mormon? A little late for that, doncha think?”
chuckle chuckle
Happy Thanksgiving!
kikibibis last blog post..