Day 168 Uniquely Me

 

6/17/2026

 "Know who you are - what God

has called you to do."

 

God has a way of getting my attention, and I have to laugh, because He's ever so subtle...well, not always! The lessons He wants to teach me are those I have already been revisiting in my mind, and then with a gentle reminder here and there, answers come. In attempting to put ideas together for my story, the one the Lord wants me to tell, I re-visit again and again certain passages. It seems as if everything I do these days is a reminder, but I imagine that's how it can be when I'm supposed to be writing the story - His story, as my life is certainly that and more.

Today in our pre-prayer message we visited an oft repeated one in sermons found in Luke 10:38-42 about Jesus' visit to the home of Lazurus and his sisters, Mary and Martha. While Martha hurries to prepare refreshments for Jesus and His disciples Mary sat quietly listening intently to His every word. Her gaze transfixed on one thing. Martha became so flustered at one point that she mentioned to Jesus that Mary should be helping her. Jesus replied: "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." 

That's all that was written in the scripture portion, so the rest is left to us to ponder. I imagine Martha felt hurt and a bit betrayed by Mary and Jesus. I can imagine I'd want to hide in the kitchen and avoid the stares of the others present in the room who were obviously wondering what her problem was. About this time the devil was probably feeling her mind with all kind of thoughts. Then aren't we all a bit prone to jumping to conclusions in our minds from time to time?! But that comes from a person who is extremely self-centered and full of self-pity or from someone who has been hurt and feels left out. Two sisters, two personalities. I love the way Dallas Jenkins portrayed the scene in my beloved series, The Chosen. First of all the disciples and some other followers are present as they journey to Lazurus' home in Bethany, so this unexpected stop probably caught Martha by surprise, maybe with mixed emotions. I know if thirteen men showed up on my doorstep I'd be scrambling to throw together some goodies, because that's the way I was taught to honor guests. The Jewish culture of hospitality is so beautiful, as is the Southern culture in which I was born. But I was not taught to offer a bowl of water to wash the dust from their feet after the long walk down dusty roads wearing sandals. Imagine how refreshing clean feet feel after walking dusty roads for hours at a time. I can't even get into bed at night without clean feet on my cool sheets. That's a gift we take for granted, but that's another story.

As Martha goes into the kitchen trying to pull together a little food, she is first of all in a well-prepared kitchen with so much fruit, nuts, spices, cheese, and freshly baked breads. She must spend her life baking, cooking, preparing, and there are only three in the household. Nonetheless as we watch her throw it all together hurriedly, as she knows these men are hungry, because men are always hungry, she prepares a platter of elegantly designed snacks for these guys to enjoy. And well they did and asked for more before everyone was served. But as the wine flowed, and the meal served, Mary just sat there cow-eyed, entranced by Jesus' every word. I know that's where I'd be, as reading His words in scripture does that for me. Martha tried to get Mary's attention each time she walked past her or reached over her with the serving plate, but no, Mary was hanging onto every word from her Master's mouth. So that's when Martha spoke up. In the scene Jesus had Martha sit down beside Him, empty tray in hand, and He talked to her so gently. I can envision the scene as I write it, as I rewrite my own account of how I feel Jesus would respond. He listened to her heart cry as only the God of love would do, because He knew Martha, He saw her. He is, after all, El Roi, the God who sees. The God who understands and never condemns our pure desires. He created us to be who we are supposed to be. He let her know she was so appreciated, and He invited her into this time, this space, and let her know she was welcomed. He wasn't short and dry with her. He invited her to stop and listen, to choose the better way as Mary. Who could refuse so warm a gesture of immense love. 

Mary at this point is so overcome by Martha's feelings being hurt that she apologizes to her and responds that she should have been more considerate. I can't blame her though. I'd be right there plopped down at His feet, listening, reveling in every word. No one realized how short a time they would actually have with Him in His earthly journey. Mary and Martha, although seemingly polar opposites in personality and gifting, loved each other, and each had a servant's heart. I believe that each of us, if we're honest, would see that we have a little of both personalities in us, but there is a lean towards the one to the other, as we do each have unique callings and purposes. Discovering those qualities about ourselves often takes time and either years of failure or settling for whatever happens. We let go of our dreams for various reasons, but they never seem to leave our thoughts as possibilities.  

No one should consider themselves a failure if they have sincerely tried or made attempts to do what they felt compelled to do. A person who is a failure is one who has never tried, who is content to talk about it, but never attempts anything. Life has a way of handing us curve balls. I know a lot about that. Some days I'd love to be a Martha who stayed in the kitchen and prepared feast after feast, but that being done, I'd want to serve every homeless person or those down on their luck a feast fit for a king. I don't want to fatten up those who have the blessing of three meals a day, rather I want to feed those who do not know what it is like to sit at a table and enjoy an unhurried meal with a few friends who understand and listen. Those who do not look down and consider them less than. That's my heart. Yet on the other hand, I lean more towards the Mary personality as I want to feed on every word that comes from the mouth of Jesus. Then, I'd want to share that meal with everyone I encounter. A feast on top of a feast. That's my heart. That's my dream!