Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her. Jesus
Jesus’ quote is from Luke 10:38-42 (NIV). Here is the scripture: As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Throughout the holidays, I practiced making merry. I made a conscious effort to quiet my Martha-like compulsions and to be more like her sister. This came to mind one evening when I was figuring out a way to remember which one was which between Mary and Martha. It dawned on me, “Mary was merry.”
These homonyms offered timely clarification for a merry Christmas. I reminded myself that family members, friends and especially our kids visited and celebrated in our home not to do a white glove inspection, not expecting Paula Deen’s cooking and Martha Stewart’s decorations, and not with arms-wide-open to receive Donald Trump-like gifts. Actually, they may have enjoyed a celebrity holiday but my guess is they came for merriment.
Mary moments only happen in this household when I let go of worry and upset and ideal scenes by Norman Rockwell, and in their place, sit at the feet of those I love.
WRite wHere I’m supposed to be – When I attend to love, love attends.
