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…