Martha and Mary

There were two sisters in the bible named Martha and Mary. They were at the home of their brother, Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. They had invited Jesus to be a guest of honor at a banquet in their home. When Jesus arrived, Martha ran around like crazy getting the banquet ready. Getting the meal served. Making sure the food was hot. Making sure the place at the table was prepared for Jesus and all the other guests. When dinner was over, she was busy cleaning up and putting away the dishes. She was working for her Lord.

Mary, on the other hand, sat quietly at Jesus' feet and listened to His words.

Martha got upset. She said to Jesus, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself ? Tell her to help me!" And Jesus answered, "Martha, Martha. You are worried and upset over many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her."

I have always been a Martha, who wanted to be a Mary. I like to serve my Lord by doing. Working at church, making things for others, taking care of sick babies. Whatever I could find to do for the Lord satisfied me. I was always much too busy working for Him to just sit quietly at His feet.

Today, I am sitting at home. I am not able to work because of the clot in my arm. "What am I to do?" I asked the Lord. "I can't go to work, can't take care of my babies and I can't lift anything. How can I do for you?"

And He whispered gently, "Now, you can be a Mary. You can sit quietly at my feet and listen."

And finally, after many years, I am learning to be a Mary. I am not walking around the house trying to figure out what to do. For the doing will get done later. It is the being that is more important. Being close to Him in reverence and surrender. Sitting quietly at His feet, listening to His voice, offering my heart. For now, that is exactly what He wants me to do for Him.