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Mary vs. Martha As I lowered myself to my knees this morning, I asked myself "Why me?" Wasn't this one of the kid's chores? But still, since they were at school, it fell to my lot to pick up the peanuts and popcorn spilled on the living room floor - the evidence of an evening enjoyed by the hockey fans in our family. I was feeling a little resentful, slightly used and abused by my dearest loved ones. How could I possibly be the only one to notice the mess? Why couldn't anyone else bend down and pick up a few kernels? Why was their time more valuable than mine? I was beginning to work myself into a lather, grumbling about a job some one else should have done. Have you ever felt that way? It seems to be a common problem, really. I recall growing up and being reminded (or as I liked to think of it at the time – nagged) to pick up my belongings on a regular basis. I can remember stepping over, around or even going out of my way to avoid things left on the floor that didn't belong there. My brothers did it, too. Somehow it just didn't seem like our problem. It was Mom's or Dad's. We would wail about the unfairness of having to pick up after someone else yet thought nothing of leaving things for others to deal with. Of course, it takes time for children to learn responsibility – it's partly why it takes so long to grow up! I may have taken a little longer than some when it came to pitching in and doing my fair share. I know for the first few years of marriage, I struggled with the idea that there must be equality in our functions. If there was cleaning to be done, it better be both of us doing it or I might not bother myself. (It's a good thing we didn't own too much in those days!) I must admit I created quite a few arguments before I realized the necessity to just do what needed to be done. And now here I was 20 years later, falling back into the old pattern. At least this time there wasn't anyone else around to debate it with. Picking up the bits and pieces, I had time to put things into perspective. I have been so blessed to have a family and a home to care for. God has certainly been gracious to me. How gracious am I? It brought to mind the story of Mary and Martha. Do you know it? You can read it for yourself in Luke 10:38 – 42. It is a story that illustrates two sisters with different approaches to life. One is Mary who was pleased to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to all He would say, and Martha who was busy with the preparations needed to serve a crowd of people. The bible says that Martha received Jesus into her home, which implies to me that she wanted Him there, but she felt burdened with the work involved and bitter because Mary wasn't pitching in enough. Oh Martha, I can feel your pain! That's me each time I grumble about the tasks I must do that I think someone else should be doing. At times,I am resentful that I must be the responsible one. Martha actually worked up the nerve to go to Jesus to complain, wanting Him to make Mary help. I have done the same myself. I have muttered a prayer or two, wanting God to goad others into doing more. Jesus responded in what seems to me to be a compassionate way. He doesn't berate Martha; he actually repeats her name twice – as if gently sighing (in my imagination). He acknowledges her anxiety over her many responsibilities. He, certainly, of all people knew what it was like to be burdened by others and He sympathized with her. Then He gave her the key to coping: the reason Mary was at peace was because she chose to put aside the physical demands and focus on Christ. This story doesn’t imply that work is wrong, but rather that time spent with God is time well spent. Becoming well acquainted with the Word will make the burdens of this world much easier to bear. In Matthew 11:28 – 30 Christ tells to learn of Him, He will give us rest. Knowing Him won't mean we won't have to pick up after others or do more than our fair share, but it will make us different. It will develop in us an inner peace which will help us in our day to day responsibilities. So here's what happened to me this morning after I begrudgingly picked up after my kids: I looked around my living room and realized how great my life really is. I thought about God and His goodness and felt more motivated to make our home tidy and enjoyable. My attitude improved with each task accomplished and by the time I was finished, I found I had a quiet afternoon to myself. Then I got the notion to sit down and write this article because I can't be the only woman who struggles with the Mary and Martha identity crisis at times. Do you, too? Maybe you needed to know Jesus and I both sympathize with you. Oh, and thanks for picking up after yourself. |
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