Martha or Mary?

In the New Testament, we are told the story of two sisters, Mary and Martha.  As recorded, the Lord came to visit and, while Martha hustled and bustled and rushed and fretted to provide her very important guest and His entourage a meal fit for The King, Mary sat at His feet and listened.

Scripture likely understates Martha’s response in asking Jesus to tell Mary to help her. I must confess that, if I were Martha, I would have first grumbled around, perhaps even pouted. I would have certainly shot a few grumpy glances her way.

But Jesus responded in love, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.”

(Luke 10:41-42)

A great many commentaries and even a women’s bible study or two have been written about being a Martha. In them we are told to take a break from the worries of this life, the busy-ness that holds us hostage, to remember the important thing is JESUS. We need to sit at His feet. We need to hear His voice above the din which threatens to overtake us. We need to focus our attention entirely on learning His commands. And, we NEED to take the time to abide in His sweet fellowship.

I get all that. Believe me. I get that.  Therein doth my heart beat.

But what if my problem isn’t being Martha, it is being Mary? I sit with dishes stacked, laundry piled, and children seeking my attention. Carpets need vacuumed. Floors need washed. Sheets need changed.  The list goes on. But, my heart is at His feet. It seems a constant struggle for me to get up from the floor at His feet to go and do the stuff of life. Man (and woman) was created and placed in the garden to tend it; we were created for work. (See Genesis 2:15)

Last night, I finished a bible study with a wonderful group of women. We met for 6 weeks and dug into His Word, studying the Psalms of Ascent. Ah, it was marvelous! He is SO good and His Word so rich! Yet, scarcely 12 hours later I am champing at the bit to begin another. The only question is which one? There are so many great ones! I am profoundly excited to begin our next quest. I cannot wait to begin anew, to dig my fingers into the deep rich soil and draw out the magnificent gems of insight which undoubtedly wait to be discovered, to draw close to Him and listen intently as He whispers His Truth, to dwell in splendid fellowship with my King, my Savior, my Lord, and my Friend. Ahhh, selah.

But alas, duty calls…

Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow

With the passing of the month of October (It's FINALLY over!), it is time now to look ahead to the blessed month of November and the priceless possession it holds. THANKSGIVING!

Often when I am feeling a bit down, I will ask the Lord to speak to me in ways I can hear Him clearly. Occasionally, I will ask Him to bless me through my mailbox. Inevitably, I will receive a note from someone or some other such reminder that I have worth and value to someone. Truly a blessing.

I have been eagerly awaiting my mailbox blessing, but I didn't recognize it immediately this time. I found in the box a package sent to (of all people) my mother who has been deceased for more than 6 years.  Aggravated that this company did not have the good sense to purchase updated mailing lists, I opened it to get the information to call and politely inform them of their error and "please take her off your list." 

Upon opening said package, I realized it was a spiritual magazine, and knowing my mother had some rather eclectic spiritual experiences during her walk on earth, I was expecting something "New Agey" and considered simply tossing it. Prompted by the Spirit, I opened it nonetheless. 

The subject of each article was being thankful for blessings. Once again, my mind asked the question, "Why do so many non-believers celebrate Thanks-Giving?" Acknowledging that our blessings come from outside of ourselves to the degree we feel we must GIVE THANKS to someone else should provoke one to question, "To WHOM am I giving thanks?" Should it not?

"Praise GOD from Whom all blessings flow..." 

I did read the entire magazine, and it was delightful.

So often we are caught up in daily pursuits; rushing to get this or that thing done. Then, at least for wives and mothers, doing the same thing all over again. Laundry by the mounds, dishes by the sinkful. It is so easy to get lost in the tedium. How refreshing to remember to step back and be thankful...

• The dirty dishes mean we at today (many times). Thank You Lord for our daily bread.
• The laundry means we all had clothes to wear. Thank You Lord for providing raiment.
• That it is bountiful means we have a wonderful little family (or is 4 babies and 2 adults "little"). Thank You Lord for each life you have breathed into our family.
• The clothes for two adults means that our marriage is still holding on. Thank You Lord for my husband who loves his family so.
• The work clothes in the laundry means my husband still has a job. Thank You Lord for employment in this harsh economy.
• The dirt on the kids clothes means they have been outside playing hard. Thank You Lord for our beautiful property and gorgeous weather. Thank You that our children are healthy and happy and love to play together.
• The piles of election propaganda ready for the burn pile tells me I need to vote. Thank You Lord that I live in country where I am free to vote. Thank You Lord that You alone are sovereign and in control of the outcome. Thank You that I can rest in the knowledge that, anxious as I may feel, I need not worry, because Your Word assures me of the final outcome.
• Thank You Lord for Your Word. Thank You I live in a country where I am free to have and to read Your Word.
• Thank You Lord for great Bible Studies.
• Thank You Lord for wonderful women of God with whom to do Bible Studies.
• And... (the list goes on)
• Thank You Lord for blessing my mailbox (again).
• Thank You Lord for magazines sent to recipients long since deceased.