But the Lord answered, “Martha, Martha,” he said, “You worry and
fret about so many things.” Luke 10:41
Repetitive mindless activity has a soothing effect on the psyche; sweeping, raking, knitting, crocheting, gardening, craft work and ironing to name a few. Thoughts are free to wander anywhere they choose as we lose ourselves in the activity. Ceramic and pottery work for me, were most relaxing some years back, becoming a catalyst for other creative juices to flow. But it seems that many of the creative crafts and mundane tasks that were part of life have been replaced with tools that are designed to make life easier for us, enabling us to do other busy things that fill our minds and time, albeit not necessarily beneficial to either.
People today do not iron like they used to, it isn’t necessary with all the fabrics that are wrinkle resistant. But at the home of a friend of mine, an admitted constant worrier, there is a most unusual site; the ironing board never comes down! And at varied times, my friend can be found pressing an outfit for work or lovingly smoothing out clothing for a family member, and she is soothed by the task. For me, on the other hand, procrastinating until the last minute, to iron anything, is typical. But when I do iron, I wonder why I don’t more often, for the therapeutic effect it has to offer! My thoughts always swirl like the hot steam emanating from the iron. At first they seem all over the place, but just as the steam is purposeful, my thoughts become so too. I remember preparing my parents’ clothing for their funerals, and as I ironed their favorite outfits my mind was awhirl with memories. Reliving each one with sadness and smiles, I became enveloped with peace during this final act of love that I could perform for them, and I felt comforted.
The recitation of repetitive prayer, like the Rosary or any prayer that is rhythmic has an even more dramatic effect. Like the steam from the iron smoothing layers of fabric, our prayer removes the wrinkles in our souls. The mantra of prayers spoken over and over soothes the spirit and opens our minds and hearts to an opportunity to lose ourselves in God. Our unsettled spirit spaces become filled with His grace; our thoughts become more purpose full. But just as Martha busied herself in her home preparing to serve Christ, and her worry and fretting got in the way of her ability to lose herself in Him, so it is for us. It isn’t easy in the hubbub of everyday life to tune out the activity around us and focus on God. But when we do, we are met with God’s loving peace, swirling through us to soothingly smooth our spirits; and sometimes we even have to “iron” to let it happen.
Oh God of love, like Martha, we too need you to fill us with your presence, so we can lose ourselves in you, especially in our busy-ness.
Copyright© 2013 Kathleen A. Matson