I have a tenderhearted son. He has a zealous spirit and excitement for life but he also has an appreciation for a warm hug and a good snuggle. He really nestles in. I am talking arms pressed inward, shoulders down, burrowed into your bosom, head on the shoulder kind of snuggle. The good stuff us mamas delight in. He abides there, in the comfort of the snuggle. It is one of my favorite things about him. He loves his independence, but he seems to love the shelter, the protection even more. This is in complete contradiction of my eldest, who is already conspiring timelines and strategizing plans of an early move-out.

Life can get busy. When mommy is at mock speed (which is more often than I care to admit), a good snuggle reminds him that everything is going to be okay. He will reach up those pudgy little arms, and sweetly petition, “Holdge Ewe.” Be still my heart. Holdge Ewe, I will.

I am slowly learning that whatever may be in process,

• Partially washed dishes
• Mid-laundry folding
• Work email in final draft stage

Whatever I am doing, I need to step away and just hold him. It’s frustrating that this fast-paced culture has encouraged us to choose tasks over time. Scurries over snuggles. I am no longer satisfied with a quick hug (the get ‘er done type of love that marks the box as checked). These moments are much more important than any chore, and quite honestly highly preferred.

So why the pull?  Why delay the much needed snuggle?

• There is so much to be done
• There are not enough hours in the day
• My work is important
• Cleanliness creates peace

The list goes on and on, but does it have to? Can these things be delayed for the sake of relationship?

Luke 10:38-42N (NABRE)

As they continued their journey he entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” The Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”

Little by little we begin to choose service over Savior. Scurries over Snuggles.

Whatever ways we choose to serve: in our homes, in our careers, in our churches; our tasks begin to take precedence over our Savior. How crazy is that? Savior versus dirty dishes. And we choose dirty dishes.

I am keenly aware that the best I can offer the Lord is filthy rags, but dear Lord remind me that filthy rags are the only option outside of You.

I tend to see myself in pictorial imagery. I envision myself outside doing laundry. There’s a big tub of sudsy water and an old wash board. I scrub and scrub, but I can’t seem to remove the dirt. (This is likely where I should just take a break; maybe the stain cannot be removed)? Instead I scrub and scrub. Now I am crying. My hands are bloodied and sore but I keep going. I look around for help. I start demanding it. Why is no one helping me? And then I see my neighbor’s clothes hanging to dry. They are all stained and she seems not to care, so I complain. I look to the heavens and say, “How can she hang those dirty clothes to dry?” “Why won’t you help me with these stains?” And this is where He gently reminds me that they are just clothes. They will get dirty. You see we get dirty in the serving and when our humanity meets our imperfection, we start to point out one another’s stains. Jesus gently bids us…

Come.

Sit.

Worship.

There’s an old song we used to sing:

Verse 1
One thing is needful O my Father
One thing is needful O my God
That I sit at Your feet
And pour out my love
This thing is needful O my Lord
(Wash. Rinse. Repeat.)

Verse 2
I sit and worship You my Father
I sit and worship You my God
Lord I sit at Your feet
And pour out my love
I sit and worship You my King
(Wash. Rinse. Repeat.)

Verse 3
I lift my hands to You my Father
I lift my hands to You my God
Lord I sit at Your feet
And pour out my love
I lift my hands to You my Lord

(Wash. Rinse. Repeat.)

May we always be reminded of Psalm 27:4 (Good News Translation)-

I have asked the LORD for one thing; one thing only do I want: to live in the LORD’s house all my life, to marvel there at his goodness, and to ask for his guidance.