Martha in the kitchen, serving with her hands;
Occupied for Jesus, with her pots and pans.
Loving Him, yet fevered, burdened to the brim.
Careful, troubled Martha, occupied for Him.
Mary on the footstool, eyes upon her Lord;
Occupied with Jesus, drinking in His Word.
This the one thing needful, all else strangely dim;
Loving, resting Mary, occupied with Him.
So may we, like Mary, choose the better part;
Resting in His presence – hands and feet and heart;
Drinking in His wisdom, strengthened with His grace;
Waiting for the summons, eyes upon His face.
When it comes, we’re ready – spirit, will , and nerve;
Mary’ heart to worship, Martha’s hands to serve;
This the rightful order, as our lamps we trim –
Occupied with Jesus, then occupied for Him!
(LOIS REYNOLDS CARPENTER)
| MARTHA | MARY |
| Was SERVING | Was SITTING |
| Was WORRYING | Was WORSHIPPING |
| Was HURRYING | Was HEARING |
| Was BUSY with the WORK | Was ATTENTIVE to the WORD |
| Was TROUBLED about MANY THINGS | Was CONCERNED with ONE THING |
| Was trying to UNDERTAKE | Was trying to UNDERSTAND |
| Was OVER-OCCUPIED | Was OCCUPIED WITH CHRIST |
| Was LABORING | Was LEARNING & LOVING |
| Was ENERGETIC | Was ENJOYING the Lord |
| Was BUSY and BOTHERED | Was BLESSED |
Are you a “Mary-like” disciple of the Lord Jesus? In a “Martha world” (so busy and hectic) we need to have a “Mary heart.” May God give us Mary’s heart to adore; Martha’s hands to serve.