As we know, the Spring season is gearing up.  The weather is becoming quite nice here in the north delta area.  I have talked with many men who are beginning to catch crappie, and largemouth bass are beginning their slow and steady march towards spawning season.  Turkey hunters are riding all over the west side of the levee (anywhere they can find ground not covered in floodwater!) as they search for the thunder of a spring gobbler.  Young families are making their annual pilgrimages to the baseball and softball diamonds for practice and the coming ball seasons.  Most important around the north delta region, it is soon to be PLANTING SEASON.  It is a BUSY time of year for so many within our church family.  We have so much happening in our church, and within individual families, jobs, activities, that we may sometimes feel as though we are barely keeping our head from spinning.  I quite often have many parents who become weary and stretched thin because of all that is going on in so many facets of their lives.  It is during this season that I find myself remembering the account from the Gospel of Luke about Martha and Mary being visited by Jesus Christ.

Luke 10:38-42 :

“Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village.  And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. (39) And she had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching.  (40) But Martha was distracted with much serving.  And she wet up to him and said “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” (41) But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, (42)but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

Many of us live our lives like Martha.  We have so many people that we fee we must serve or help.  We have so many activities taking place that we are rushing from one place to another, from one person to another (if you have multiple kids).  We often may even become frustrated with our children, our spouse, or even co-workers or church members in those moments when we feel we are being overwhelmed by the all that surrounds us.  But, we must remember that we MUST take time to stop, sit down at the feet of Jesus, and focus on HIM.  Jesus Christ desires that we stop focusing on the troubles and anxiousness of a busy schedule and “choose that good portion”.  Choose to take time to be with Him.

I am coming to learn as a father that the cares and needs of this life and a “daddy” grow as they grow.  My weekly schedule is beginning to look like the scribble pad of a waiter at a large diner!  I must still remember what my role ultimately is as a husband and father – lead them to Jesus each day.  As you lead your families, remember to make sure you are leading them to Jesus Christ each day.  The memories made in this life are wonderful, but come up short if there are no memories of you and your family placing focus on the One who loves and redeems us.  All the hustle-bustle is worthless if we are not emphasizing Jesus and taking time to pray, read His Word, worship Him, and join together with like believers to do all the aforementioned in a corporate manner.  I love each of you and I pray that you and your families have a blessed Spring season!

• Bro. Chris