"Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World" is a book I've been wanting to read and I plan to pick it up soon. I've heard it is a wonderful book.
Luke10:38-42
38 Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord's feet, listening to His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me." 41 But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; 42 but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her."
This was our scripture reading this morning in church and it's got me to thinking...
Now, I would like to think that if Jesus was here in my home that I wouldn't fret and run about doing "this and that". I would hope that I would just sit at His feet and wonder at His presence and feast on His every word. Just like Mary.
But I know myself and I'm pretty darn sure I would have myself in a "tizzy" running around like a crazy woman making sure everything was "just right". Every surface and floor would be sparkling clean and Oh.My.Word would there be food and drink. Only the best for my Lord. Just like Martha.
I know this because every time George and I have a party, I can almost guarantee that I'm the one doing the running around like the proverbial chicken with her head cut off. I plan far in advance and I worry over e.v.e.r.y little thing. During the party, I'm still running around (behind the scene) taking care of everything. Where is George? Having a ball. The life of the party. E-n-j-o-y-i-n-g himself! I often tell him the next day that he's a guest at his own party! LOL
I want to be like Mary. I want to be like George. I want to enjoy the moment.
This is something I'm praying about and will be working on.
Are you a Mary or a Martha?
19 comments:
Kat, my sister and I joke about this all the time. I am DEFINITELY the "Martha" and she is the "Mary"!!! I'm always the one handling all the details and running around making sure everything is just right...instead of just enjoying myself with my guests, I'm constantly seeing after the details.
I love this post. Thanks for bringing it back to mind what the most important things are...the spending time with people, not just the "things".
I just can't stay away! ;-)
I LOVE this topic. Karen Mains wrote in her book, Open Heart, Open Home this about hospitality.
Entertaining says, “I want to impress you with my beautiful home, my clever decorating, my gourmet cooking.” Hospitality, however, seeks to minister. It says,
“This home is not mine. It is truly a gift from my master. I am His servant and I use it as He desires. Hospitality does not seek to impress, but to serve.”
Since I am a Martha, I needed this book to remind me what true hospitality was all about.
Thanks, Kat, for the post on this subject. It is always good to be reminded.
Wonderful post! Thank you so much!
Pat
Kat,
Raising my hand...I am a Martha. I am so like you when I entertain. Sometimes I get so caught up in everything being “just right” that I loose focus on just having fun and fellowship.
I too need to be more like Mary.
Hugs, Lyndy
That is an AWESOME book and I hope you get a chance to read it soon. I found myself giggling several times while reading it. I saw it at WalMart not too long after it came out, YEARS ago, and read it then. It is a super book. I actually now have the new one, Having a Mary Spirit, in my room to read. I bought it a while back and haven't gotten into reading it yet. I need to though, so thanks for the reminder. Be sure to post (or e-mail me) what you think about the book as you are reading it, or when you get through. You'll like it, I have no doubt.
About the Marta or Mary question...I'm all about the preparation, but once the time is here, I'm all about the fun too, so I am probably a combo, and I'm okay with that!
Good post. Loved the book. Let me know what you think too! :-)
I too am a "Martha" but am working on being more like Mary. Great post Kat!
Great book. Very convicting.
Blessings
I'd love to get that book. Many years ago I read the one Cheryl referred to and it really helped me to go ahead and practice hospitality even when there were many things that were not the way I wanted them to be in my house.
But I'm afraid I am still much more of a Martha than a Mary. But I am a good Mary at other people's houses!!
OH! Kat...your George and my hubbin need to talk...you and I...so much alike...I am certainly a Martha...and girl...that ain't Stewart I'm talking about...I am trying really hard to let go of this burden...actually by forcing myself to entertain more...so I can practice and learn to stop, rest and enjoy the company of my great friends...I AM getting better... I have fretted, too if I had passed this gene on to my children...Thankfully, they both married Mary's and they both are enjoying the friends...more than worrying about the preparation...Wonder what it is that makes us Martha's??...I've often wondered if I was insecure about something...trying to impress someone...or just what it was...I think it is b/c I am a bit of a control freak...yep...I said it...right here in blogland for all to see!! Thankfully I have recognized this and I am working on trying to change that about myself...so THANKS once again...for giving me something to ponder and reminding me...to take time and enjoy, not to sweat the small stuff...and to get to a bookstore and buy that book!!
blessings...
"T"
LivingTheLife
I am a natural Martha who is trying to learn how to be a Mary.
I find that being a Martha I can at times miss so much. Simple moments that only happen once and then never return.
At this time of my life I more than ever need to learn to be a Mary.
I love this topic and will keep my eye open for this book!
Haven't read the book, but I am definately a Martha!
Can't wait to hear what you think about the book.
I read this book a few years ago - great read. And yes, I am a Martha too.
Such a wonderful, inspiring post - thank you!!
Melissa
I am a Mary. I would much rather leave the dishes in the sink to do later than miss out on conversation with friends.
Hey, Kat, I think I'm somewhat a mix of Mary & Martha. I try to get everything done just so if we are entertaining (which we don't do often enough!), so that I can just enjoy & talk & relax with guests. My mom was never a really stressed out hostess, so I think that rubbed off on me. I am not a perfectionist either, so I think that helps too. I like things done well & looking nice, but it doesn't have to be over the top impressive. I can make do just fine & try to enjoy the moment.
Then, when it's all over, I'll get it all cleaned up.
Good for George! He knows how to have fun & enjoy the party.
Rhoda
Humm - if it were me, I would hope that I was organized enough to get all the preparations out of the way before He arrived!
I have gotten better at being a Mary, but sometimes the Martha's got to come out or nothing would get done. My husband was kidding me the other night when my boss came over. I was in a twit over wine glasses and I just needed to let it go.
I too wish I could be a Mary instead of a Martha.
Please give a review of the book after you read it. I have been wanting to read it but just keep forgetting to pick one up.
I am soooooooooo a Martha and I need to get this book. We have done this lesson study in Ladies' Bible class and I need this book also. Thank you for the post!
I am soooooooooo a Martha and I need to get this book. We have done this lesson study in Ladies' Bible class and I need this book also. Thank you for the post!
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