Learning to Rest at Jesus' Feet

I'm not sure if you've noticed my social media bio but it says this:

Artist | called to create, in any form necessary | wrestling fear, chasing beauty, pursuing peace | learning to rest at Jesus' feet

That last part - learning to rest at Jesus' feet - goes back to the account of Mary and Martha.  It's a story I revisit often and one that I continue to receive the gift of fresh revelation as the years unfold.  Two years ago I wrote about it here.  And as we enter the season of Lent, I have been brought back to lovely Martha with fresh eyes (for I do think she is lovely, although misunderstood and quickly judged).  I see afresh that the retreat happens in the midst of the to-do list.  In the middle of preparing for the guests, in the middle of busy lives, in the middle of the mess, in the middle of our weaknesses... that is where the resting at Jesus' feet happens.  I often considered it an all or nothing type scenario that had me wondering, "Who cleans the toilets if everyone's with Jesus?!"  As much as I know it is so good to hang out in the garden, retreating with Jesus, I am convinced there's a way to also sit as His feet, receiving His peace, while I'm scrubbing away.  Now I'm trying to navigate exactly what that looks like.   

Tomorrow is the beginning of Lent: the 40 days before Easter (not including the Sundays).  This season serves as a time of preparation and a reflection on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. What a perfect time to retreat.  I am choosing to carve out more quiet space in my day and spend more reflective time in the studio.  All of which will require a very intentional look at my schedule and a very mindful shift in perspective.  I still have obligations and responsibilities and deadlines and demands and requests, but I'm determined to retreat in the middle of it all.  The key to this, for me, is taking this time to create quietly.  I've decided I'm not going to share what I'm creating... at least not during this lenten season. And perhaps, it will continue to be an entirely personal project - we shall see!  I'm going to let it all unfold each day and savour those moments, unconcerned with perfection or a business plan.  I'm not checking out, I'm just taking another step back in retreat.  I'll still be checking messages and working, meeting those deadlines and interacting with fine folks - I'm just shifting gears for 40 days and hoping to learn a little more about resting at Jesus' feet.  

Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.”
Mark 6:31 NLT