When going about your daily tasks, do find your attitude is that of thanksgiving or resentment? We should strive for a heart that resembles Mary rather than be a “Mother Martha.”
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:41-42
I’ve always struggled with the story of Mary and Martha. I felt like a Martha, someone who would rather work behind the scenes to get things done than be front and centre.
But it was Mary that Jesus praised. He scolded Martha for wanting Mary to help her. That puzzled me until I understood the deeper meaning behind the story.
Martha’s Actions Were Right
Martha had the right idea. She was taking care of the physical needs of her guests (feeding them food)! Which is a normal and acceptable activity to be doing.
Mary’s Heart Was Right
Mary also had the right idea, to sit at the feet of Jesus. He was her Messiah, of course she wanted to spend time with Him! We talk about this regularly, make time for God! And here was Mary doing just that.
God’s Gifts
God gives us gifts and talents. Martha seemed to have an aptitude for ensuring her house was in order. While Mary preferred a more social activity.
Neither of these gifts are wrong or bad! God needs different people who can do different things.
The issue was in Martha’s attitude.
Instead of being happy to serve Jesus, she was focused on the fact that Mary wasn’t helping her. Her heart was turned towards bitterness instead of joy.
Mother Martha Attitudes
And don’t we end up with a “Mother Martha” attitude sometimes? As a mom we see the people in our home enjoying themselves and we end up feeling resentful.
Why do they get to sit and do something they like? Or why do they get to start AND finish a task without being interrupted? Why does no one want to help Mom!?!
That is the attitude we need to change. Instead we need to look at our task with joy. We are blessed to be able to make food for our family. We are blessed to be able to do their laundry. We are blessed that we can serve the people we love.
When we approach our work with a joyful spirit, it will also change our outlook on our family. We see them differently. Instead of being irritated by them, we can be thankful for them!
Just as Martha should have been thankful that her sister was able to spend time with Jesus. She could have looked at the situation from a different perspective and it would have changed her heart.
Jesus asks that we have a joyful heart. His issue wasn’t with Martha’s task but the way she was doing it.
He sees the same in us. As Moms it is so easy to fall into the mindset of irritation when we are doing so much alone. Instead of being joyful in our jobs.
That isn’t to say we shouldn’t ask for help. Raising children with chores and jobs to do helps them learn responsibility. Asking our spouse to help us carry the load when we feel overwhelmed helps balance our tired minds.
What matters is our attitude when we ask them.
Are we asking them with a servant heart? Or are we asking them with a nagging spirit?
So pause and consider your attitude towards your work and your family. Are you feeling blessed because you get to do things for them or frustrated because you have to do things for them?
Take an attitude of Mary and find joy in your task. Have a heart for Jesus in whatever you are completing and watch it change the way you view your family!
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