WWJND...is that allowed?

i have spent much of my life desiring more from my relationship with Jesus, feeling guilty for having less, and becoming complacent in my disappointment.  It just doesn't seem possible to achieve the presumably quiet, contemplative life that Mary enjoys.

i love to teach and write and be with women, but there are only so many hours in the day. Our children are grown and we've begun a new chapter in our lives with them, but i will always be their mom...and now there are four!  i have family that i love and i long for time to spend with them.  i have friends that are neglected, too.  There is a stack of books on my desk that grows almost weekly with "must-read" recommendations.  Life is full.  Expectations never stop.  Every season is demanding.

i am distracted by things that have to be done.  But you know this.

i have made attempts over the years to set priorities, organize my life, balance my schedule.  i have used every tool on the market, both philosophical and technological.  Balance eludes me.  i wonder if it's even possible.

And sometimes i feel stuck.  Right here.  In this moment.  In this snapshot.  i am distracted.  i am short-tempered.  i am snappy with Jesus.  Much like Martha....who reached the end of her hospitable rope and let Jesus have it.

"Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me."

Again, love this sister....while holding my breath, waiting.

WWJD?  (Corny.  i know.  But you knew it was coming.)  What will Jesus do?  And that's important...i'll get to it.  But first, what's really intriguing, what reveals much about Jesus and His love for Martha is what He does not do.  (WWJND.  i know i'm tampering with the near-sacred acronym.  Coudn't be helped.)

"But the Lord answered her, 'Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.'"
 
Isn't it crazy that Jesus does not rebuke Martha for her impertinence?  He does not scold her, demanding an explanation for her outburst.  The infamous "mom" line would have served the Savior well here:  "HOW DARE YOU SPEAK TO ME IN THAT TONE OF VOICE!" 

Don't you think it's interesting that Jesus gave Martha the freedom to be frustrated?

It seems worth noting that i see images in some detail as i study this little family photo, but Jesus sees much more.  He sees beyond the sepia toned expression on Martha's face.  He sees more than the kitchen towel flung over her shoulder as her hands are placed on her hips in aggravation.  To quote the Psalmist, Jesus "searches [Martha's] heart ... and knows her anxious thoughts..." 

He knows the state of her soul, and He is more concerned for her distraction, her worry and anxiety    than He is for her disrespect. 

Psalm 51:6 is a reminder that Jesus "desires truth", even if its delivery is less than gracious. 

Martha is safe with Jesus. 
           Safe to be frustrated. 
                  Safe to be angry. 
                       Safe to be discouraged. 
                              Safe to be exhausted.

Don't you love Him for that?