March 12thKnowing & Being Known
- by Alissa Bender
“…few things are needed— indeed only one.” ~Luke 10:42a
At summer camp, there are typically many, many things happening. Some campers thrive on finding something new around every corner. Some look forward to the predictable times of sitting quietly by the morning campfire circle. Every single camper is different, and every one belongs.
Jesus was calling Martha to remember the “why” of what she did. Jesus wanted to know and be known by Martha.
Maybe you have sometimes read the story of Martha and Mary as a stark comparison, and Jesus’ words as a criticism or a questioning of priorities. Maybe this has sparked feelings of guilt in your own active, many-layered life. Have you ever felt pushed further away from Jesus by these words?
What if these words are not intended to push Martha further away, but to draw her closer? What if they’re not a criticism, but an invitation? Jesus depended on various other women like Martha for the practical resources they were able to provide to support his ministry. Surely he understood – and even valued – that they had many things on their minds. And yet, what Jesus desired most, what he named as the better part, was the relationship that was made possible in the space of hospitality that Martha had created. Jesus knew that safety and shelter and food could be taken away from them, and would be in the trials to come, but all that Jesus and his friends had shared would not be taken away. Jesus was calling Martha to remember the “why” of what she did. Jesus wanted to know and be known by Martha.
Even in the busyness of summer camp, I witness moments of knowing and being known. I see how young adult camp staff pay attention to every camper story. I see staff committed to learning about diverse inclusion needs. I see whole cabins travelling only as quickly as their slowest mover. I hear conversations about how to adapt games so that all can participate, without being uncomfortably singled out. I see individuals being pulled aside with care when there is concern for well-being and rejoicing when strategies are found for a kid to carry on at camp in a good way.
The staff know their campers as they create community for them over the week. They hear their stories, comfort their tears, and make them feel part of something so big, something that many of them dream of being part of leading when they get old enough. There are certainly many things to be distracted by at camp, but few things are truly needed. “Act Small, Love Big” is Silver Lake Mennonite Camp’s summer theme this year. Bit by bit, step by step, seed by seed, we will create loving community where people can know and be known.
Where are the spaces and who are the people who draw you into circles of hospitality? What might you do to begin co-creating a space of knowing and being known by Jesus?
- Alissa Bender is an MCEC Pastor and the Director of Silver Lake Mennonite Camp.
Photo by Jennie Wiebe, 2019.