Tonight, I am weary and just plain worn out.
My thoughts dwell with Mary and Martha. Recently, my friend Karen and I attempted an online study on the book Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World. I really struggled with the study. In fact, I totally flopped. I kept getting hung up on the author’s scolding of Martha.
Poor Martha.
Considering the fact that I am a Martha, I took up great offense for poor Martha. She was just trying to do what she thought needed to be done. She was frustrated that she was the only one in the kitchen while Mary was simply LOUNGING AROUND JESUS’ FEET!
The Mary and Martha war rages continually in my heart. I would love to sit at Jesus’ feet. I want to sit and soak it all up, but I can’t.
Why does Martha have to be the bad guy?
What if your life requires you to be a Martha?
Can you be called to being a Martha?
What happens when Martha is tired?
I think that our trip south has stirred this fight within. I was able to sit and listen to my husband preach for five straight services. Beside the fact that he is my husband (and I am sure I am biased), he is enjoyable to listen too. Time flies, and yet my soul is fed.
Also, we were the guests, and it was certainly wonderful to be treated as one. The food was fantastic, and what made it even better was that I did not have to cook any of it! It was such a treat. We were well cared for.
For the one who is usually the caregiver, this was amazing.
But, alas we must return to our real lives. The lives that we are called to. The life where I am the caregiver again.
I struggle with fatigue.
I struggle with control.
I struggle with my attitude.
I struggle with my focus.
I KNOW that God can give me the strength… even when I am tired. I must just trust that He will.
I KNOW that my need for control is sinful. It is a pride issue. I am NOT in control, and if I was, it would be VERY scary.
I KNOW that it is MY attitude that needs to change.
I KNOW that if my focus is not on Christ and giving him glory, that I am going to sink just like Peter.
So why is it so hard?
Thank you, I’m afraid I’m the Martha way too often. If I don’t do it, who will? I pray God shows me what He wants from me, I want to be Mary and Martha, which is a new kettle of trouble. I have my calling and I wait on Him to show me the way, begging for forgiveness every day.
Tancy,
I am right there with you. I have always wondered why Martha was looked at as being wrong when she was making sure everyone was being taken care of. I guess I am a Martha too. 🙂 I do enjoy making the meals, having the people over, and doing all I can in that area, but I also have 4 little ones (that usually people think they have to remind me of that) and a husband and a house to take care of. Some days I just wonder which way is up. I’m not saying I would trade what we are doing for anything else. We are having difficult times right now, but we will make it through. And yes, IT WILL BE WITH GOD’S STRENGTH and not our own! Oh, and I have always thought about doing that study, but never got the book.
I, too, wouldn’t give it up. BUT… it doesn’t mean that I don’t get weary. so difficult :/
I think that you MUST set aside time DAILY to just sit at his feet. To be Mary. But there are times when we are called to be Martha. It is a balance I think.
I don’t know the details of your church nor do I need to, but I know you make a meal most services. Why can’t you ask other woman to help or even be in charge of it every now and then? Can you and someone else take turns??
I wonder if it is possible to be Mary and Martha at the same time?