One of my favorite scenes in the Bible is where Jesus validates Mary’s choice to stop working and sit at his feet to listen. He tells Martha that her sister has chosen the better way. If Mary had a blog, I would follow it, because I’m sure we come from the same heart-place. I am not a talented hostess who thinks of getting fresh flowers or gracing the room with potpourri, but I do pray for my guests before they arrive.
Perhaps one of Mary’s posts would be something like this:
Today, my friends, for some reason I seem to have my head in the future. Perhaps this is just an escapist mind set that helps me cope. As you all know first-hand, it is not easy to be a woman who finds more satisfaction in religious pursuits than her household tasks.
I’m sure there will be another Martha in the future that obsesses over housekeeping and decorating, as my sister does. Most women will admire her and, who knows? She may even be known throughout the land for her amazing talents and perfectionism: “Martha, steward of the beautiful abode!” My prayer is for the women in that future who feel guilty for having no interest in such things, and for failing to achieve the Martha-steward standard. I pray, Lord, that you would honor women who spend more time listening to you than swapping lentil recipes.
Give these sisters of mine freedom to pray to you, alone and in groups, instead of shining those copper pots one more time. Encourage them to continue to draw near to you often, even as they go about their tasks. And one day, Lord—even though I would be afraid to speak this aloud, especially around Martha—I pray that you would change society’s attitudes about women. Let women be permitted to spend their time and talents studying, and not only studying the scriptures, but many other subjects. Let it be acceptable one day for women to write—even teach—about Jesus.
I think of Elizabeth who mentored another Mary, the mother of Jesus. I can imagine in the future another Beth, more studious; a Beth more well-known; a Beth more filled with the Spirit to strengthen women. Even 2,000 years from now, I know that Jesus will still be delighted when his daughters sit at his feet and listen to him!
Posted by Ramona
www.happilywriting.com
[Ha ha—did you catch my little "personalities puns"? If not, click here and here.]
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Ramona, I LOVE this posting!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to share it with my sister who has voiced a similar longing about having more time to study with the Lord.
I think Mary would have been a great blogger. Just imagine all those wonderful pearls of wisdom she would have shared with her readers from her time listening at His feet.
As a hostess I do love making my home a warm and comfortable place for guests to settle in (with flowers).
But I am captivated by the possibility of welcome you must create for your guest by your prayers for them. And how the atmosphere of heaven would bring a sense of peace and well-being to those who enter your home.
I want to be sure that is right at the top of my hostess to-do list. Flowers...and prayers.
Oh, did I tell you I love this posting. Thanks, Ramona!
Ramona, thanks for the chuckles and the thought-provoking post :) Your title hooked me immediately! And the rest of the post gave me lots of food for thought.
ReplyDeleteThis was fun and interesting to read and I like the little name "puns" in the last bit :-) Since I'm more of a Mary type, I've had to learn how to "notice" practical things that need doing, especially at my workplace. As such, I much enjoyed reading your blog post!
ReplyDeleteI love it! Mary and Martha are too of my favorite women of the new testament. Thanks for the smile!!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed this!
ReplyDeleteRamona, I loved the way you followed up Glynis's "Martha blog" with a your own "Mary blog." I love the way you put yourself into Mary's character to write this piece. Great job!
ReplyDeleteYou inspired me to follow up with a review of a Mary/Martha book that has inspired and helped me, over the last ten years, to discover that I can't be all things to all people. Furthermore, nobody, especially not God, expects me to be.
May we continue being who we are, all the while growing with God's grace to become who he wants us to be.
Oh, what a lovely group of writers I get to hang around with here. I so enjoy your comments!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful writing. I'm very proud of you. Fine message communicated expertly.
ReplyDelete