Who Are You Becoming?

The Master said, “Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it— . . . and it won’t be taken from her.”   Luke 10:41-42

When I was a kid I loved Alvin and the Chipmunks. They were known for their song Christmas Don’t Be Late. I think every kid loved it because we all could identify how Alvin, Simon and Theodore felt. Weeks felt like years and that ten days or so were the worst! So close, yet so far. Now it seems time passes quickly and I don’t have enough of them to get everything done.

The chipmunk boys spent their days waiting for Christmas getting into trouble and driving Dave their guardian to the brink. Trying to find the gifts, questioning why it’s taking so long, will Santa know where we live and how will he get into our house when we don’t have a fireplace? We might have driven my mom crazy, but she always had the answers and she was very convincing. One of her favorite phrases was “Christmas won’t come any sooner if you keep snooping, but you will spoil it for yourself.” I was reminded of that the other day when I saw a quote by Nicky Gumble, “Who you become while you are waiting is as important as what you are waiting for.”

The truth was waiting made us inquisitive. It helped us become more patient. It helped us converse with our mom more. It taught us that waiting had its rewards. It made me think about how I wait now. I’m waiting to celebrate the birthday of my Savior and Lord. Someone who came for the specific purpose to die in my place so I may live an abundant life.  How am I waiting? By longing to spend time with Him every day and thank Him for the greatest gift I ever received? Or am I too busy to spend time with the One we’re celebrating? Am I making it all about baking cookies, shopping, wrapping and giving to everyone else except the Guest of Honor? Sadly I had to admit far too many days I rush through my time with Him because I need to get busy preparing for His special day. That’s insanity! The wrapping will be thrown away, the food will be eaten, the gifts will eventually become old and the tree and decorations will be put away. We need to remember what Jesus said to Martha who was running around being busy, getting ready to prepare a meal for Jesus.  Only one thing is essential, and that’s spending time with the guest of honor.  So, I ask, what are you becoming while you’re waiting?