Wedding Whirlwind

In the run-up to my son’s wedding on Saturday, I find I have so many lists I almost need a list of my lists! It’s a source of great amusement to Don but without these lists I’m sure we’d forget something major.

However, while walking Dusty round beside the trees resplendent in their autumn finery, and mentally reviewing my lists, I suddenly thought of Mary and Martha. 

You know the story in the Bible. Jesus was visiting his friends in Bethany, two sisters and a brother – Mary, Martha and Lazarus. As Martha rushed round preparing the supper, Mary sat entranced at Jesus’ feet, listening to what he had to say. Eventually the over-wrought Martha complained to Jesus, hoping he might tell Mary to get up and help her sister. Instead he gently reprimanded her for having her priorities wrong.

I believe God was reminding me that there may be loads to do but in fact only one thing really matters – and that’s listening to Him. Sitting at his feet from time to time, as Mary did, and drinking in the beauty of his presence and peace.

This is a wedding between two lovely, strong Christian believers, and we want to celebrate their love but also lift up God and glorify him in this. Their meeting was no coincidence, but a God-incidence, just as Don’s and mine was all those years ago. 

So I’ve added one thing to my list. Prayer and listening time, in my prayer alcove, where I can shut off from all the bustle and concentrate on the one who is worthy of celebrating.

Take time to breathe deep in the presence of the Saviour today. It takes self-discipline to step out of the swirl of activity but I know it’s the best thing any of us can do. ‘Seek me and I will be found,’ God promises. Sometimes it takes a bit of perseverance, but it is a promise and God is faithful to keep his promises.