This posting will make sense so bear with me. First off, the painting (photo credit: here) by velazquez is one of my absolute favorites. I did a paper on this for an art history class, and I had the privilege of seeing it in person at an exhibit a couple years ago at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston-i was giddy with delight. Discussions about this work include the idea of a picture within a picture- modern subjects that have the picture hanging in their home, or is the artist depicting the story in real-time? Either way I love the story it tells, and the subjects of the painting are Mary and Martha and the visit Jesus made to their house-(Luke 10:38-42). I’ve always seen myself as a Martha-a doer, and this is something I’ve wrestled with recently as an Elder in our church, and specifically when I’ve stepped into the role of Chairman for our ministry. While I believe one of my spiritual gifts for service is administration/organizing, etc. what I’ve become both administrator AND the volunteer-gets a bit old after a while. I also feel that if I put a volunteer need in the bulletin and newsletter, I shouldn’t have to issue a personal invitation as well. Some may be okay with that, but not me-a bit of a rant, but necessary. Fortunately there will be a new chairman in March, and I’ve decided that once my term as Elder is over, I’ll be stepping away from any and all leadership roles until Andrew is in college. I have found some of the things I’ve become involved in have distracted me from worship and spiritual growth. I’m looking for other ways to serve my church and community and I don’t want to feel guilty about saying “no”. When Mary suggested doing a Bible study together in 2011, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. Then suddenly it came to me this morning while I was drying my hair-i’m very serious about this, that I’m being called to be more of a Mary and less of a Martha. God does have an interesting way of speaking to us, and I love having affirmation that I’m heading in the right direction. The study (and the cleaner plate) is exactly what I need, and I think we’re going to learn a lot from each other. I also think that God puts people in your life at certain times because we’re not supposed to struggle through life alone. I feel like a burden has been lifted, and I’m confident that on my road to becoming a Mary- my Mary will be there to share the journey (and continue to let me copy a few things from her too!)-am really looking forward to what 2011 has in store for me.
