Without a doubt I’m a Martha but oh how I long to be more like Mary! The problem is…I LOVE too many things! I always want to try EVERYTHING at least once. I feel like things have to be perfect before inviting guests over or even opening the door to the UPS man just for a simple delivery! So I can only imagine if Jesus showed up and knocked at my door! I. WOULD. PANIC.!! My brain never slows down it just wants to keep learning and doing and learning and doing! Do you have any idea how hard it is to sit here and type and not keep getting up??!! I tend throw my full self into every project I do or every new idea I have! ‘Sit still’, what does that even mean? I often wonder, if I make it to 80, if the same question will be rattling around in my head… what do I want to be when I grow up?! It’s in my DNA. I come from a long line of “learners & doers”!!
My Great Grandma constantly had something in her hands working on it! I could sit on the arm of her chair and watch for hours on end! I loved to soak up ideas from her. She was over the top amazing. She even had a PINK kitchen with all pink appliances!! She had to convert her garage into a fabric room and then had to build on a new garage again because she kept running out of room! I loved to open her cabinets and just stare at all her fabric. I have so many dear sweet memories of her. Oh how I miss her! My mom always says if the glue gun would have been invented before Great Grandma passed away that she would still be alive today making everything she never had time to make before!
Next up is my Grandma! Well, let’s just say she’s over 80 (but acts 29). Let me paint you a little visual of her…on her last cruise her only regret was that she didn’t go zip lining! She’s as good as the younger generation with technology and her texting skills are top notch! She’s the snazziest dressed Grandma you’ll ever meet! I’m certain it’s where I get my love of leopard print from! She still tells me “Amy, you’re never too old to keep learning and trying new adventures!”. Her painting skills are amazing! She can bake like no other and I used to think her Lemon Meringue pie was the best this side of Heaven and now I’m pretty sure her Banana Cream pie has it beat!!
And then there’s my Mom, if you’ve ever stepped foot in her house you’ll agree with what I’m about to say! She’s over the top creative and her style is like no other! When I go to visit she often forgets to sit still. She’s always on to the next project or fixing the next meal all at the same time involving you in whatever she’s doing! It may even be harder for her to sit still than it is for myself! She has the biggest heart and would do anything for anyone! She loves to give “gifts” that she’s made for no reason at all. She mails out the most decorated packages at the post office! We live int the same town but sometimes I just want her to mail things to me just so I can get a personalized hand doodle decorated box from USPS! One would think she has a deadline to meet because of how she hurries about but, honestly, she’s always so ahead of schedule it makes me wonder if I’m really adopted! I’ve asked her before “Mom, who are you making that for?” and her response is, “Oh, I don’t know I’m just making it so I’ll have something ready for the next baby shower!” Come on people…who does that?? Me on the other hand…I wait until the VERY last minute then I’m scrambling to finish something to give as a gift. I always pull through! LOL It’s one benefit of having the “first born child perfectionism syndrome” because I care about every last detail and make sure it perfect before giving it as a gift!
I LOVE having a long line of “doers” in my family! Pretty sure I passed it down as well. My son Brock is also a doer! I think his wife blames me but in all honesty…it goes way farther back than me!! And I’m almost positive that one or more of my grandchildren will inherit this trait!
Luke 10:38-42 (NIV)At the Home of Martha and Mary38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But 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, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
I’ve always been confused at the story of Martha & Mary! If Martha didn’t do it then WHO was going to get the job done? And if Mary didn’t sit at the feet of Jesus then WHO was going to? I think we have to be a little of both of these women but finding the right combination can be extra confusing!
I’m trying my very best to be more of a Mary and sit at the feet of Jesus a little longer.
How about you? Are you a Martha or a Mary or are you just as confused as me…?