Why couldn’t I have just been born a Mary? I mean this seriously! I don’t think the Marys of this world ever have to work at knowing what the “one thing” that is most important.
Mary is already at Jesus’ feet, she did not worry about all the things she thought might need to be taken care of before she sat down.
On the other hand there’s me, a Martha in this world. Who is constantly asking Jesus, “why, worrying, and wanting to know if I can get some help here!”
Just a guess, but I can’t be the only Martha that is Weary by Wednesday, especially this time of year?
What is it with us Marthas that we just can’t seem to let go?
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.” (Luke 10:38-42)
While I was pondering these verses from Luke 10:38-42, my eyes scrolled down the page to the next section in my Bible where the heading says, “Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer.” Luke begins with what we often refer to as the Lord’s Prayer.
He said to them, “When you pray, say:
“‘Father, hallowed be your name,
Your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
And lead us not into temptation.’” (Luke 11:2-4)
It’s a sign!
A billboard sized sign to me any way, because without a doubt when I find my Martha leaking out all over the place, it’s when I am not praying.
I love Luke’s shorter version of this prayer, because really it is exactly what Jesus told Martha, “few things are needed—or indeed only one.” That need is close, without distraction, intimate, time spent in prayer.
Prayer.
Right smack at the feet of Jesus.
It may be a little more difficult for us Marthas to let go, but maybe if we remind ourselves who and where we are letting it go to, we can make the struggle a bit more manageable.
Start with a deep breath. Let it out slow. Then have a seat, right at the feet of Jesus.
Thanks for sharing your Wednesday with me. I’d love to hear how your week is going? I’m praying for you.
Jennifer Baringer 