Are you a Mary or a Martha?

Last night at Bible study, we went over the story of Mary and Martha.

Now I have probably heard that story so many times that I felt like there wasn't really anything else that I could possibly take away from it.  You know, how you've heard something over and over and it just starts to lose its meaning.  

I guess that's what happened when we read this story last night.  It was past our usual dismissal time and just as the Pastor was adjourning for the night someone said you may as well go ahead and finish the chapter, so he did.

As we read it, I automatically associated myself with Martha.  Now frankly, I keep myself busy, but I don't know that I really am a Martha, a lot of time I am Mary.  But last night I kept thinking about how I struggle with certain things and in that respect I AM a Martha.  

How many times are we doing something and say to ourselves well, if Ms. Know it all would do something then it would be easier for the rest of us.  

What?  You don't say that?  

Anyway, it was like someone walked over and stepped right on my toes.  The nerve, right?

I am sure that if Jesus was coming over for dinner I would want everything to be just right, but I would hope that it wouldn't take all of my focus.

  But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried about many things.  Only one thing is important.  Mary has chosen the better thing, and it will never be taken away from her."
Luke 10:41,42

Mary chose the better thing.  I want the better thing.  Even though we still need Martha's in the world, we have to learn to balance "things" and the "one thing."