What’s next? Are you a Mary or a Martha? Within the pages of the Bible, there is a passage about two women who welcomed Jesus into their home. This is my interpretation: While Mary visited with Jesus and listened to His teachings, Martha prepared the meal, cleaned the house last minute, and bustled around trying to plan for the situation at hand. Did they have enough food and drink? Was there a place for Jesus to rest his head? While she was focused on the details, she missed the moment. Looking to the future, the present alluded her and she did not hear the message. Martha heard the untidy house calling for perfection. Expectations, obligations and choices guide our lives. Martha chose the kitchen. Mary chose the floor beneath the feet of Jesus.
Why do we stumble about, planning for a future so clouded one can expect surprises? Why do we hasten between now and then, ignoring our present? Now is all we have.
I am guilty of looking to the future, planning my next move, anticipating one holiday after another. Here comes Christmas! My birthday follows shortly after. Often, my husband and I vacation. I wait anxiously for what comes next, and prepare for those events. I admit, I am mostly a Martha.
Enjoy, laugh, live a life full of empathy and joy. Help others in need. Take care because you can, not because it is expected of you. Access your Martha side. There is a fork in the road, but it turns out to be a loop. Mary is within you as well. In this situation, there is no right or wrong. You choose a path forged specifically for you. Are you a Mary, Martha, or a little of both?
–SJB
I love this idea! That it’s really a circle, not two sided. I’m definitely a bit of both! ❤️