Are you a Mary or a Martha?

One of my favorite stories from the Bible is the story of Martha and Mary. When I heard it read during Mass a few years ago, it really resonated with me. I had likely heard it previously, but this time, the passage really prompted me to reflect. The story of Martha, who is all caught up in serving and making everything perfect, meanwhile Mary has her full attention on her precious guest- Jesus. 

Jesus' visit to Martha and Mary made me think of a time when I was a teenager and traveled with my Aunt to Columbia for the day. For lunch, we visited my great-Aunt and Uncle who were probably in their 70s at that time.  I didn't visit them often and I'll never forget the simple lunch that my great-Aunt served us- a bologna sandwich with white bread and plain chips. We sat at the table and had lunch and I remember feeling very special, like a valued guest. I grew up in a modest household, where we were fortuante enough to eat out many times when we would travel to Columbia. I was not used to this type of meal, and to my great Aunt and Uncle who had very humble beginnings- this may have been special to them, but wouldn't have been a typical meal served for my immediate family. However, the food as I recall was delightful- but was it really the food or the love that I felt while at that table? Why did this scripture remind me of this day that had occured nearly 25 years prior? A memory that hadn't really popped up until hearing this at mass. 

From the Gospel of Luke 10:38-42: 

As they continued their journey he entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me." The Lord said to her in reply, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her." 

In our Pinterest and social media laiden world, how often do we lose sight of what is really important while we are trying to serve? We get so caught up in trying to make everything perfect, putting so much time and effort into creating all of these beautiful things, that we don't have any time or effort left to give to those that we love and deserve our love and attention. 

In the last several years, we have seen rapid increases in the incidence of anxiety. I can't help but think that all of the social media we consume depicting the picture perfect lives of those around us (fake) and all of the perfect Pinterest projects we think we have to make, has made us anxious as we can't live up to these unrealistic ideals no matter how hard we try. As I said- it's not real!! However, I too have experienced this anxiety in preparing for a gathering and wanting my food, decor, etc. to be just perfect.  Even though I try to be mindful, this can get to me in day to day life when things aren't just so so. It is so very easy to lose sight of what's important. What's the saying, can't see the forest for the trees? What's the big picture? The rest is just stuff and things. But those things and that stuff is constantly in our face! 

As a mother, I have been guilty of this on numerous occasions. Getting caught up in all of the "things" surrounding a birthday, an event, or even just the  household "stuff" that preoccupies and keeps you from giving your full attention and love to those who matter the most. For me it's my kids, husband and family. But I would be remiss if I didn't put GOD first, and I think GOD takes a backseat with all of the other noise out there. GOD = LOVE and should be #1.  

What can we do? 

Pay attention and put GOD first. Live more simply. Spend time with those who matter and give them your full attention while you are with them. Don't get caught up in all the stuff. If you enjoy making Pinterest projects or scrolling social media, find a healthy balance. Keep in mind that these are just snapshots of peoples lives that can look very groovy but in reality are completely flawed most of the time. 

Make a bologna sandwich, grab some chips and sit down with those at your table (or a picnic blanket sounds nice). Give them your love and full attention.

Keep your eye on the prize-choose "the better part and it will not be taken from you".  Don't get so caught up in serving that you don't have time to spend with your savior. 

I'm a constant work in progress, and I'm hoping that sharing this with you helps me to continue to try to put GOD first and practice more intentional LOVE, not getting so caught up in serving that I lose sight of what's really important. Perhaps it will cause you to reflect and be more intential with your LOVE and commitment to GOD, as I belive more LOVE in this world can only lead to more PEACE. And always remeber GOD is LOVE.