But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later she stepped in, interrupting them (Mary & Jesus). "Master, don't you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand."
The Master said, "Martha, dear Martha, you're fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it-it's the main course, and won't be taken from her." (The Message)
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Both the sisters wanted to show neighborly love, so they invited Jesus to to supper. As Martha got busy preparing the meal, Mary sat at Jesus' feet and listened to His teachings. Well, that did not set well with Martha and she came out of the kitchen very upset and angry at Mary. And that was when Jesus told her to calm down.
Imagine having Jesus telling us to calm down! Not that we ever need it though. Sometimes we can get caught up in 'doing things for God' and get angry at others because they aren't 'doing things for God' and I wonder if He is pleased with that or if He would rather have us 'doing things' with a loving heart. A heart that wants to serve Him in love and not a gotta do it for Him attitude.
Mary chose to sit with Jesus and chose to listen to His words and Martha was so busy, she never heard what Jesus was saying. Maybe we should think about that story and think about our lives. Do we ever stay still long enough to listen or do we run around and 'do things'? Mary will always have the words of Jesus with her and Martha won't.
I want those same words with me. Do you?
Nancy
