When I am feeling encumbered, concerned, overwhelmed and fatigued (weary in well-doing and weary of my weaknesses); and when I am feeling like a “Martha” (bustling about, irritated, cluttering my life with things I could let go of — distracted from my priorities and purpose),…….I can sit at the feet of Jesus like did Mary of Bethany and just be still, breathe, and listen.
Or, if I find myself feeling critical and judgmental of others as Martha was (“Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.”), I can accept the Savior’s admonition to stop being “careful and troubled about many things”. I can take my eyes off of that person (situation or concern) and look to the savior instead.
If I am unjustly accused as Mary was by Martha, I can have a quiet, calm demeanor and not lash back…letting the Savior answer for me and swallow my indignation, defensiveness and pride (realizing that it is about them not about me — and love them despite their unfair rebuke or comments). When I am blamed, criticized, and judged I can forgive. It takes more strength to be silent than to speak. The Savior’s atonement covers our human weaknesses, sins, pains, worries, pride and sorrows. He makes us whole.
I can show him my burden, like Mary and Martha did when Jesus asked where they had laid Lazarus — “Lord, come and see.” Here is my weakness, my burden, my worry, my stress. I give it to you to do what you know is best. Then, he can comfort, strengthen, heal and bless me — giving me life — a rebirth as he did for Lazarus.
Please see Luke 10:38-42 and John 11:20-45 (KJV)
The Happy Wife and Mom 