Martha, Martha, Martha!!!

Why is it so hard to be Mary?

Most of us are familiar with sisters Mary and Martha from the gospel. In Luke 10 we see that they are preparing for a meal with Christ. Martha is busy, busy, busy making preparations while Mary is seated at the foot of Christ, taking in his every word. Martha asks Jesus why he doesn't make Mary help her, and his answer is this: "Martha, Martha", the Lord answered, "You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken from her." (Luke 10: 41-42)

This past weekend we celebrated the dedication of our youngest son with several of our good friends and family. Following the Saturday evening service, we had a gathering at our home for food and fellowship. I started working on the menu three weeks ago.

We could have ordered in pizza. Or had a large sub sandwich pre-ordered from a sandwich shop, or even Wal-Mart for that matter. But, no. I insisted on making chicken enchiladas, rice and fresh green beans for twelve adults and five children. My husband suggested buying dessert, but I insisted on making dessert myself as well. I was so proud of myself, however, because I had decided to incorporate this Mary principle into planning the meal. So, instead of fresh green beans, I bought frozen and made boxed brownies instead of from scratch. I decided to use flour tortillas instead of corn to cut down on rolling time and bought store made (in a peanut free facility) cupcakes for Mother's Day lunch the day following. I gave myself a big pat on the back and slept soundly Friday night.

Then came Saturday. I had a house to clean... AND brownies and cookies to make, enchiladas to roll, green beans to boil and rice (hey, it was out of a box!) to make and dress up with black beans and tomatoes. We had our first out of town guest arrive at one and I had only managed to get chocolate chip cookies and brownies on the table. Thankfully, she was more than willing to help in the kitchen and we were able to get everything prepared just in time to leave for the ceremony.

The sermon was wonderful. Or at least I trust that it was. I wouldn't know. My thoughts were a string of concerns about the meal.... we need a bag of ice, the green beans and enchiladas will need to be reheated, people are going to be hungry and all we have ready are the tortilla chips and dessert.... etc, etc, etc. I became very aware that I had completely missed what Jesus meant by what is 'better'. I wasn't being Mary in the least, it was ALL Martha!

Joanna Weaver writes in her book, Having a Mary Spirit, that she felt the Lord say to her "When you run ahead of Me, you end up doing what I've asked you to do in your own strength rather than Mine. Instead of being cloaked in the sweetness of My Spirit, your efforts are cloaked in your flesh." I often feel this way any time we have people over to the house. If I spend too much time worrying about the cleanliness of our home and what I'm going to put on the table, I find I cannot enjoy our friends and family the way the Lord intended. I also find myself exhausted and less willing to minister to the needs of others.

What originally seemed to be a simple re-shuffling of my thoughts and actions from a Martha-likeness to Mary has now turned into a character makeover. One that has affected many areas of my life and has made me realize, once again, (as I often need to be reminded) that it's not all about me. This flaw in my character affects who I am and how I can be used within the kingdom of God. It affects my willingness to serve the needs of others and my openness to accepting or asking for help from within the body. Whoever knew learning to rely solely on the strength of Christ would be such a difficult undertaking?

Are you a Martha or a Mary? Any Marys out there have any tips for a Martha like me? :)