Luke 10:39 She (Martha) had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word.
“I honestly don’t know how Mary does it! She always manages to get out of the work that needs to be done. I mean, there are so many preparations…people to feed and serve! For goodness sakes, we have the Lord Jesus here for dinner!
“But noooo, she’s sitting at His feet, listening to Him speak. I would certainly like to be in there listening too, but somebody’s got to watch the meat on the fire. And there’s other food to be prepared. And the table needs to be set. I really could use some help in here!
“I know she sees me. She couldn’t help but see me! She can tell I’m overwhelmed with all this. Why isn’t she coming to offer her assistance? NOW! I need her help NOW!
“I’ll just peek into the other room and try to get Mary’s attention. Oh my word! OH MY WORD! OH MY WORD! What on earth is she DOING?!?
“She’s pouring that really expensive bottle of perfume on Jesus’ feet! REALLY? Oh, no. No, it can’t be! She’s…she’s…NO-O-O-O, she’s wiping the perfume off with her HAIR!
“That is it! I have had enough! I am going out there right now and get Mary back here in the kitchen to help me. There is work to be done, and she is wasting our very best perfume, not to mention just sitting around listening to Jesus. I am going to let them all know how I feel.
“Lord, can’t You see that Mary’s left all the work to me? Don’t You care? I need her help! Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha, you are so upset over all these details! There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it – and I won’t take it away from her!” (Luke 10:41-42, TLB)
“Martha, I am sitting at the feet of the Christ, the Son of God. He won’t always be here with us. Come, sit with me at His feet. Let’s enjoy this time we have with Him. You’re too distracted! Come, sit! Let’s listen to Jesus and His word.”
“Really, Mary? Stop all the preparations? Leave things undone? I don’t know if I can….But…I…REALLY…DO… WANT to stop. Just for a minute. I’ve been so busy. I’m so tired of all the planning and details. Yes! I will be still. Yes! I will stop. Yes! I will listen to the words of Jesus!”
Are you sitting at the feet of Jesus this Christmas?
I’m trying but I’m so guilty of being a “Martha”. Thank you so much. I needed this!
This was easy to write because I SO identify with Martha! Let’s throw our to-do lists away!!! 🙂
Absolutely identify!! Why do we always seem to forget whose birthday we are really celebrating? Thanks for the timely reminder, Elle Belle!
Me too, Ellen!!! I have fought the Martha syndrome for years! I am with you…throw our to-do list away!!! I loved your reminder <3 I hope you and John have a very Merry Christmas!!!
Thank you Trulie! Isn’t it funny how we REALLY turn into Martha’s during Christmas! And that is the time we should “be still and know”. Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family! I’ll bet Henry is a trip on Christmas day!!