In Swahili there is a Proverb: Haraka, haraka haina baraka.
It means: Hurry, hurry has no blessing.
Many of us too often rush from place to place. We complete one task only to realize there’s another one to be done. We go, go, go until we’re completely depleted. We have nothing left to give — to our friends, to our family, let alone ourselves.
This Swahili proverb reminds me of how Martha busied herself with a long to-do list when Jesus visited her home. Martha’s sister, Mary, on the other hand, sat listening attentively to his teachings. Put off by Mary’s lack of help, Martha says to Jesus, “Tell her to help me!” (Luke 10:40)
Instead, Jesus kindly tells Martha no. Then, like a good teacher, he tells her why.
“You worry and fuss about a lot of things. But there’s only one thing you need,” he said. “Mary has chosen what is better, and it is not to be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42
In this scenario what is the “one thing” Martha needed? It’s the same thing many of us need today. To slow down. Listen. Engage. Learn. To be fully present.
May we all be encouraged to know that a messy house does not make us less amazing. Errands that are put off until tomorrow (or next week) do not make us lazy. Allowing yourself time to breathe, to build relationships, to explore, learn and play does not make you selfish.
It keeps you healthy.
May we all be a little more healthy going forward. A little more gracious. Giving. And kind to ourselves. And may we always remember that hurry, hurry has no blessing.
Love, light and sparkles,
sjc