Are You Mary or Martha?

 Hmmm...I would definitely say Martha. However, I'm learning to be more like Mary. Let's take a closer look at the Bible story of the 2 sisters, Mary and Martha, found in Luke 10:38-42. In verse 38, we see that Jesus, along with his followers, was in Mary and Martha's town and wanted to stop by for a visit. While they visited, the two sisters had two very different responses. Mary was sitting down listening to Jesus' teaching. Verse 39 says that she "sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word." Mary didn't want to miss anything Jesus said! On the other hand, Martha was bustling around the house serving and making sure everything was right for the guests. As any good hostess, Martha wanted her people to be well taken care of. Two sisters in the same house where Jesus was, but they had two different responses. So which one are you- Mary or Martha? Mary took time to be still. Martha was worried about getting everything done that needed to. As we read further in verse 40, we see Martha bringing to Jesus' attention that Mary wasn't helping and could he tell her to help. You know how we do...we choose to take a lot on our plate, then complain when no one is helping. We think we're Wonder Woman (or Superman for my guys out there!), then get frustrated and realize we can't do it all. Jesus answers in verses 41-42. I love his answer! In verse 41, he acknowledges that Martha is worried and troubled about many things. Then in verse 42, he said one thing was needed and Mary had chosen the good part. He never says she's wrong in feeling the way she does. But at the same time, he wanted Martha to see that Mary had chosen what was needed at the moment. I learned at a young age that there was a difference between needs and wants. A need is something that is necessary, while a want is something that we don't necessarily need and could do without at the time. I used to think I "needed" a whole lot, then my parents either asked or reminded me was it really a need or just something I really wanted. It was needed that Mary be still and listen to the Word being taught. It was needed that her soul was fed. It was needed that she spend time at Jesus' feet. Then, there was Martha who wanted to make sure everything was right. I imagine her having a to-do list running through her mind (can anybody relate?), checking off things and working on one thing while thinking about the next. That's definitely me being like Martha a lot of times! When this happens, I have to remind myself of several things. I don't have to be busy all the time. It's okay to be still. Focus on the task at hand before moving on (often in thoughts for me!) to the next task. I'm only one person and can only do so much at one time. There is a time and place for everything. It's a process, but I'm making progress and getting there. Some days are more of a struggle than others with that and thank God for His reminders along the way. I'm learning to be more like Mary and take time to be still and less busy. I'm learning to be fed by the Word and spend more time with God every day. I'm learning not to keep what I learn to myself, but share with others along the way. So which one are you- Mary or Martha? My conclusion: It's okay to have both in you and know when to be still and when to do work. Have a healthy dose of both. Know when to let "Mary" show up and know when to let "Martha" show up. And when you do show up, make sure to give it your best!