Mary and Martha

Dutch and I are real close and are accustomed to and love to spend time with each other. Having been retired for a while now, we never seem to be far apart. This is even more the case now that he is going through these medical problems. There is LOTS to do around the house but I always have Dutch's "Can you come and sit with me?" in my ear. I remember when his mother was living with us, and all she wanted was for me to sit and "visit" with her. I did, but with one foot out the door. Now in retrospect I often think what it would have hurt if I had been more patient with her.

The Bible talks about Mary and Martha. Mary would sit at Jesus' feet and listen, while Martha was busy in the kitchen and resented Mary for not helping. I have to say that much of my life I have been Martha and sooo wanted to be Mary.

Thanks to the faithfulness of our staff at the store, I can be Mary and sit with Dutch through thick and thin, and leave all responsibilities at the door. We cherish this time together and are so thankful for it. Who among us knows how much time we have left? To have an illness where you know that your days are numbered are truly a gift. It makes you savor the moment and appreciate what you have.

Luke 10:38-42

At the Home of Martha and Mary 38As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
41"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42but only one thing is needed.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."