Can we talk?

Mary and Martha

         There are "doers". Every organization needs them. The ones who weed the lawn at the church or the club, who cook the meals, who volunteer to do the books, or do security. Every charity and civic organization needs doers, the ones behind the scenes, who take no glory, but tend to the heat or a/c and lights, who clean up and lock up. We can't function without them. Homes and corporations, even hospitals are the same way, whether they are paid positions or not.

         But there are also listeners, readers, and thinkers. They're needed, too. People who like to write tend to be in this category more than the first. It's tough to decide which one we need to be at times. When do we let the grass grow another day or two and spend time with a friend who needs a shoulder to cry on. Do we sometimes miss the "rock star" or the "angel" when we have the opportunity to bask in their company, because we're busy doing laundry, washing dishes, or running errands? Those things need to be done, but do they need to be done right now?

         When we are old and gray, will we lament the missed opportunities to just hang out with someone who became famous? Will we regret not watching the sunset with someone we valued? We don't want to be remembered as lazy or irresponsible. But do we want to be remembered as workaholics, or self-involved, or too busy for friends and family? I am confident that I will not lie on my deathbed and say, "I wish I had done more housework" or yard work or commuting.

         Mary and Martha were two sisters, or relatives, in the New Testament. Neither one was wrong. But Martha was jealous and resentful that Mary wasn't helping her prepare the feast for company. She went to Jesus to get him to send Mary into the kitchen. But he told her that Mary was taking advantage of his presence while the time was available. We don't know if Martha understood, or if Mary even heard the conversation. But he indicated to her that listening to him, asking questions, was more important than feeding him.

         It's up up to us, moment by moment, to discern when we need to carry on business and when we need to stop and listen.