Unvarnished Treasure

Hi, ladies, are you like Martha-seemingly unable to settle down, find a place of rest, and have some peace? Does it now seem as if everything has become a burden? Have you become like Martha, becoming overwhelmed with this life? As women, we have so much on our plates with work, children or not; there is also your church, work, school, husband/significant other or not. And maybe you are feeling jealous of your friend, coworker, neighbor. The ones who like you seem to have the same responsibilities yet find the time to go to the gym and have a social life, and their homes are neat and tidy. While you cannot remember if you have a vacuum cleaner.
These ladies are the Marys of your life. They seem to have it all together, while your life seems so out of control. I know you think this is yet another book that tells you how much of a failure you are because you cannot get it together and be a Proverbs 31 Woman. I will agree with you and admit that I tried to be her, and I have failed miserably. It was a lofty goal to aspire to but was it unrealistic based on my circumstances and family situation. I had to realize that God was not expecting me to be perfect, to fit into a mold designed by me or by someone else. He was only looking for me to be excellent in being my authentic self in how I raised my children, how I took care of the home He gave me, or how I behaved at work or school. God is calling us to be authentic, to recognize our limitations, and admit that we need help and that I needed help- we are in this struggle together. He is calling each of us to be a Mary. Not a carbon copy of the person in your life that you wished you were but your very own version. As we explore together the words of Jesus to Martha, may you find rest and “unvarnished treasures” in your everyday!