When Martha Becomes Mary

Mom with kidsA picture with my mom, brother and sister and their spouses the last time we were together for my mom’s 90th birthday.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “…Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 ESV

The last week or so has been the longest break in my blog posts. Since my mother died on September 6th the days have been filled with planning her memorial service and tending to things at her house in Englewood. We have enjoyed family time together in reflection, work and discovering the “hidden treasures” she had tuck away in the midst of the clutter of her home.

At her graveside service this past Tuesday, I shared from the passage above. My mother’s given name was “Martha” and it seemed to fit her well. She was a hard worker and was a woman given to hospitality and opening her home to others. She loved her family and her Lord, but showed it in ways that always didn’t connect with others as she intended.

Like Martha in the gospel’s my mother was one who could be “worried and upset about many things.” Even though her final days were peaceful, that aspect would “pop out” once in a while even then. She was also one whose expectations of others were often judged by her own priorities.

She was a woman committed to serving the Lord throughout her life and her faith remained strong to the end. Even as she prepared to leave the hospital she prayed with my niece and her husband and expressed confidence in the Lord’s healing power, regardless of the medical outlook.

But now that she is in the presence of the Lord, she finds herself, like Mary, at His “feet.” The work of life and the worries of life have come to an end. As the old hymn says, “the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.” That is the future for all who place their faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord.

As I reflected on my mother’s life and this passage of scripture, I had to admit there is some “Martha” in me. It is far too easy to “do” for the Lord, than to be “with” the Lord. The things that I believe are important and that can captivate my thoughts and concerns, may not be what the Lord would say are a priority. I the past I can recall being “judgmental” of those whose priorities and values were more balanced than mine.

Serving the Lord is good, being at His feet is better. Both are important, but only one will last forever. So, I want to be more like Mary in this life, because I have come to realize that is my eternal destiny. I might as well learn to spend more time at Jesus “feet” now to be more prepared for heaven.

Prayer for today….. Lord thank You for this peek into the lives of these sisters. Help us to learn to choose that “which is better.” Remind us that heaven is about being in Your presence and at rest.