Sunday, December 21, 2008

Am I a Mary or a Martha

'Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying.

But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me."

But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:38-42)
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As a mom I often wonder which role I play: Martha or Mary. Am I busy, busy, busy, keeping the house, preparing the meals? Or am I Mary, who takes the time to stop and listen?

As a child I felt sorry for Martha. She was running around, doing all the work alone, while her lazy sister played nice to Jesus. And when she asked Jesus to back her up, he instead told her that Mary chose 'the better part'.

Aw shucks! I always thought hard work paid off, not sitting around.

But I guess the lesson is about getting your priorities right. That taking time to listen to people is more important than taking care that your house is clean. Certainly, when I visit my in-laws, who are always rushing around getting me coffee or something, I wish they would just sit down and talk to me!

As a mom I ususally try to be Martha and Mary all at once. While I cook and clean I'm available for the kids to tell their stories, to kiss their scrapes and generally I'm just 'there'.

Which one are you?
Are you a Martha or a Mary?

10 comments:

Tina Kelley said...

Wow.. I'm so glad I checked out you blog! I love it!!

I'd have to say I'm a Mary but I don't think for the right reasons..Like you said as a child you thought Mary was the lazy one and I think that's why I put off household work to hang with the kids..

I've got you bookmarked!

Unknown said...

Listen to your children... Always take the time to listen... give them your time... attention ... and love....

God Bless you.
colleen

Anonymous said...

I definitely am Martha, but have been working hard on changing that. It is hard to fit everything into a single day, so I have been eliminating things and giving that time to my children. Hopefully, I will soon get to being Mary and Martha combined.

Anonymous said...

in many of our church potlucks or gatherings, i often end up as Martha - bt if i pick my choice i would love to be Mary. Usually best sermons are said during those mornings when am out there in the kitchen preparing food for the congregation. :)

Michelle said...

I think I'm both. Thanks for sharing this story.

The Happy Mom said...

I absolutely love your blog. I was just talking to my daughter about this story, it seems that around Christmas it's easy to be more Martha and worry about all the cleaning, shopping, busy stuff instead of being a Mary and focusing on the one TRUE reason for Christmas.

Davida said...

I'm definitely Martha. I would have fussed at Mary for just sitting around and probably been doomed to hell forever.

Davida

Anonymous said...

Hey, stopping by to tell you thanks for all of the comments :) I had such a busy week with snow, holiday preparations, haven't commented much :) but I'll sure stop by more often :)

Anonymous said...

hi relimom!

wishing you love, peace and joy this holiday season. :)

liza of
A Simple Life
Moms... Check nyo
Mommy's Little Corner
Life's sweets & spices

Anonymous said...

Definitely a "Martha." I really need to discipline myself to be still and fellowship with God. I am so easily distracted and there's so much I want to do in a day that makes it hard to just spend 1/2 an hour or so in Bible study/reading and prayer even though I know it's important that I do.

 

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