“Maycember” is a term many would hear and know the exact meaning of, because right now countless people are experiencing it. “Maycember” describes the busy, sometimes chaotic month of May, which often resembles the month of December with all the events and activities associated with school, church, and the start of a season.

With me, planning and preparing for church events, as well as keeping up with writing, household tasks, caring for a family, and adding in outdoor chores has left me tired. With one item scratched off my “to do” list, five more are added. Sometimes it seems the list will never end. I am tired, feel disorganized, completely overwhelmed, and definitely feel the stress of it all.

I am guessing you know how it feels. I am also pretty certain Martha experienced these feelings too. Not having modern conveniences, like a microwave, stove, washer/dryer, or dishwasher, Mary and Martha did everything by hand. Making bread alone involved grinding the gathered grain and baking the dough on a hot stone or in a small clay oven. Water was drawn from a well or a pool of water nearby. Life was busy, and though guests were readily welcomed, when they arrived, the workload increased.

Living on the path to Jerusalem, Luke shares the story of a visit Jesus made to the home of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha.

“As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”” (Luke 10:38-42 NLT)

Martha’s heart was to serve, and she liked to plan big. Every detail was planned, so every need would be met. When it came time for the plans to fall into place, Martha found herself doing the job alone. She struggled and stressed until her eyes fell on her sister. Her servant’s heart disappeared as she looked for her needs to be met instead of the needs of others. She became flustered and upset, looking for Jesus to take her side. But Jesus knew something different. A heart of serving comes not from checking off a “to do” list but rather is the result of time and resting in Him. Mary had found the secret. Learning to serve comes from spending time with the One who came to serve.

What if Martha had planned a bit less or let go of her perfect plan? What if she had settled down next to Mary and enjoyed sweet time with Jesus? Wouldn’t a meal still have taken place? My guess is everyone would have come together to help her put the meal into place, enjoying more time as they shared the meal with Jesus. She would have enjoyed serving with others, as well as being served by Jesus as the needs of her heart were met. Taking time to rest and have needs met by Jesus in the midst of a busy season allows us to have the right heart to serve.

Maybe your busy season is not in “Maycember,” but you may go through times in your life where your “to do” list never ends. Discover Mary’s secret and find rest in Jesus.

“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)

Take your burdens to Jesus. Learn how to serve from Him. Time with Him will give you a heart to serve and the strength to finish the tasks. Learn to serve from the One who came to serve.