In the Mind of Martha

"Martha, Martha,"  the Lord replied, "You are worried about many things, but few things are truly necessary - in fact, only one. Mary has chosen what is better. She has chosen what will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:41-42).

A guest is coming over today.

There's so much to be done.

So many things to clean

and endless errands to be run.

I have to sweep, to set the table,

to dust and mop the floor,

to fold laundry, to pick up clothes

and groceries from the store.

A guest is on his way today,

I see him right outside -

I have vegetables that still need washed

and fish that still need fried.

My sister should be here to help,

today she's quite frustrating.

The whole time I've been hard at work,

she's been sitting outside waiting.

So eager for our guest to come,

and yes, I'm eager too -

but why won't she just recognize

how much there is to do?

A guest is making his way in.

I am not ready yet.

The floor is not quite fully swept,

the table not quite set.

Instead of setting plates on the counter

or stirring the food we will  eat,

my sister simply sets herself down,

cross-legged, at our guest's feet. 

I look to our guest and plead with him - 

"Lord, won't you tell her to help?

All she will do is sit before you

and I'm stuck doing work by myself!"

I am resentful, but he turns to me and says, 

"All these chores will one day go away.

Your sister has chosen the necessary thing -

she has chosen what will always stay."