Day 20 - Martha & Mary

by Barbara Harrison

Luke 10:38-42

“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 about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’” – Luke 10:38-42

I don’t know about you, but I have a love/hate relationship with this Bible verse! I love it

because it reminds me to sit by the feet of Jesus and dwell in him… do not worry or fret about things or busyness. Listen to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ – he has a calling… message just for me!

I hate it because I’m a Martha… a planner and I relate so much to her plea. Too many times, I take on more than needed and get caught up in the plan or event that I ignore the hospitality of the gesture. Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed that I don’t enjoy the time together – I’m drained, tired and even resentful of those that didn’t help. For me this is Jesus’ point to Martha… he lovingly says to her: “Martha, Martha….don’t be worried and upset. Take time (like Mary) and sit at my feet… I have much to tell you!” We need our Martha’s… they are wonderful servants and Jesus loves them. But when we worry and complain about others… he reminds us to take time to sit at his feet and receive his grace, love and peace.