In Luke 10:38-42, Jesus visits the home of Martha, Mary, and their brother Lazarus. While Martha bustles around preparing food for their guest, Mary sits at Jesus’ feet, listening to him. When Martha complains that she’s doing all the work, Jesus says, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42).
I’ve always felt a bit like Martha. Maybe it’s the project manager in me, but I tend to notice the things that need to be done—the grass that needs mowing, or our poor SUV sitting out front after being hit (twice!).
My husband, Jon, is more like Mary—not that he’s literally sitting at the feet of Jesus, but his focus often rests elsewhere. He sees the world through his “scout glasses,” carrying the many responsibilities that come with being Grand PuBa of the local OA lodge. I deeply respect the weight he carries in serving others, yet I sometimes long for his help at home, too.
Now, I could mow the grass, but I never quite meet Jon’s standards for how it should be done. And with the SUV, it’s technically his vehicle, so arranging to have it hauled away isn’t something I can take care of on my own.
I hope you’ll forgive me for looking at the story of Martha and Mary a little outside its traditional biblical setting, but this passage has been on my heart all week. It reminds me that we need both Marthas and Marys in our lives. We need the ones who notice what must be done, and the ones who keep their eyes fixed on deeper things.
If you have a moment, I encourage you to read Joel Stucki’s wonderful article on Martha and Mary. It gave me fresh perspective on how we balance these roles in our homes, our relationships, and even in society. In many ways, Jon and I are our own Martha and Mary—and maybe that’s exactly how it’s meant to be.
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