My Name is Martha
Hello, my name is Martha, and I’m a VBS leader.
Actually my name is Jerry (a.k.a the vbsguy), but God has used several people this past week – first my pastor and then a coworker – to show me how much I live life like Martha (you know, Martha from “Mary and Martha” fame – Luke 10:38-42). My life is all about the details. While serving on a church staff years ago a coworker once made the comment, “I didn’t know when the church hired you they were hiring a white-gloved inspector.” Like Martha I often become so concerned about the details of the party I lose sight of the purpose for the party.
While Martha was in the kitchen making sure each slice of sandwich meat was perfectly arranged on the platter, Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus. She was listening to every word, laughing at every joke, and embracing the moment. She knew the true purpose of the party and she wasn’t letting details distract her. Like Jesus, Mary knew the party was about the relationships not the details.
Of the two sisters, which one do you think the church leaders would have chosen to direct VBS? If you guessed Martha you are probably correct. After all, details are extremely important to the work of VBS. Show me a well-orchestrated VBS and I’ll show you a vbs director named Martha. Without a Martha at the helm most churches would never be able to survive the first day of VBS much less a full week!
If you are reading this blog and thinking about VBS in April chances are you have a little Martha DNA of your own. In my book that is a good thing, but look what Jesus said about Mary: “Mary made the right choice…”
The right choice was to spend time at the feet of Jesus. Unlike Martha who was in the other room stewing over the details, Mary spent time in His presence preparing spiritually and emotionally for the days ahead.
With the summer VBS season being only two months away it is certainly time for details, but I encourage you to take time now to sit at the feet of Jesus – to prepare yourself spiritually and emotionally for the days ahead. Spend time in His presence for it is the “right choice”.
Jerry — there are a lot of us Martha’s out there (btw, my sister, Susan, is a Mary)! My biggest problem is that I keep trying to get ahead of God, but the Holy Spirit is there whispering, “Wait; slow down; you don’t have to worry about this–I’ve got it covered.” PTL!!
Perfect timing for this reminder!!!! Thanks so much Jerry!!!! – I guess I might be a Martha – I started on VBS the week of Thanksgiving:)
I agree we need to prepare before we rush forword, I’m a Mary that’s why I’m not a good director but I’m good missions leader, main thing you need is a good relationship with Jesus and a great love for children and be flexable Blessings to all.