The story of Mary and Martha got me thinking recently. No, really! It has popped into my head multiple times!!! To take you back refer to Luke 10:38-42. To paraphrase, Martha welcomed Jesus into her home, and Mary sat at his feet listening to him. Martha was too busy, and was mad at Mary for not helping, she wanted Jesus to chastise Martha. Jesus told Martha that Mary was right where she was supposed to be. Some versions say she Mary has chosen “the good part”.
….as an aside I feel a kindred spirit to both of them, but let’s start with Martha…
I know EXACTLY what Martha was doing. (I am in tune with her from my many hostessing occasions.) She was tidying up the room Jesus was sitting in so he did not see the dirty clothes one of her children left on the couch, and she picked up the shoes left exactly where someone COULD potentially trip. THEN she was going into the kitchen thinking, —What except-able appetizer do I have to offer? The guacamole isn’t the freshest, I haven’t had time to make a dip yet and if so…do I have chips to go with it? And of course DIRTY DISHES. They are everywhere and let’s not keep them SOOO visible to everyone else. (See I told ya I am totally in sync with Martha!)
I feel a strong pull all the time to BE the Mary though!
MY VERSION of Mary would be…I would like to think I am so busy right up until the main event. Then I am 2 minutes behind……………….coming………………..and THEN I sit still. Whew! Made it. –SIGH–Ahh, the good part! I am now a little out of breath during the intro, but present! Able to catch the majority. (At least I know Mary too on SOME level!)
Some adjectives for Martha include worried, anxious and distracted. Let’s not totally bag on the woman though. As a female in those times she kept a house that Jesus (and his entourage) felt like stopping in. They were friends, and he felt comfortable in her home, so she was doing something right. However, while Martha may have been the hostess with the most-est she was missing out on what Jesus had to say. What number of people can say they had Jesus come to there home and speak throughout the bible? That would be amazing! And what did he say? Oh, I was in the kitchen doing dishes and didn’t hear. —Are you kidding me??
Mary is described as calm, still and listening. The real Mary (not my version) did not run around until the last minute. She was right next to him, ready to hear what he had to say. She was listening, not distracted. Jesus said there is only one thing that is needed and Mary made the right choice.
Moments of devotion to Jesus and his word are needed, they are necessary.
Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.
John 6:63 (Jesus adds) The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.
Why is God having this story pop into my head all the time? I think he is trying to tell me something! Are my priorities in order? Am I getting distracted away from God’s word? This one is hitting very close to home. I’m going to have to practice what I blog, the dishes will be there later. My “version of Mary” has some work to do! What Jesus has to say is what I need most!
Distracted + Worried + Not Present = missing out on Jesus
Calm/Still + Listening to/Reading God’s word = the Good Part/all I need
I am going to press “submit” now.
Momster 4 Christ 