Martha Stewart Visits Mary Tyler Moore
Growing up, I watched a sitcom called the Mary Tyler Moore show. The star of the show the actress Mary Tyler Moore, played herself as an up and coming professional in the broadcasting world. She was very career oriented, had a thriving social life with an extensive friend group. And, who hasn’t heard of Martha Stewart? The Queen of decorating, baking and cooking, who made her debut on her own show way before the Food Channel and HGTV were around.
Visits to my sister’s house can best be described as these two hanging out. When I show up (I’m the Martha) at sister’s (she’s the Mary) our time together includes a project or two and several trips to the local HomeGoods store. We expanded sister’s repertoire this past visit and ventured into unknown territory to train sister in the art of entertaining.
Sister was to be hosting her women’s Bible study group for a surprise birthday celebration the following week. During my visit, we had a practice run with a couple of friends from the group to discuss the particulars of the upcoming event.
As I prepped the dining room for our practice run dinner, it became very evident that I was in no man’s land for entertaining pieces, as in napkins, placemats, chargers etc… all those extras I can put my hands on at my house 700 miles up the road!
After spending the afternoon digging in drawers, pulling out piece after piece of glassware, serving pieces etc…. I was able to create a decent table scape.
I also had access to a virtual tropical paradise brother in law has created in the back yard which produced a flower arrangement that I was really proud of. However, sister moved it to see everyone the minute we sat down for dinner!
Reflecting on our practice run evening, I was reminded of a set of sisters that Jesus visited. In Luke 10:38-41 we read about Jesus who has been welcomed into the home of a woman named Martha.
Martha, who is busily preparing food and doing all the things while her sister, Mary is focused on Jesus (sitting at His feet to be exact) and what He has to say. Martha actually complains to Jesus that her sister Mary isn’t helping her with the preparations.
Jesus tells Martha that Mary has chosen the good portion and it will not be taken from her. In the teachable moment that he creates for us here, He uses Mary’s actions to emphasize what is important. He tells her that few things are needed, usually just one. In other words, simply just be.
I had to ask myself - “Am I a Martha?” So busy with preparations, the way everything looks, timing the coffee just right to be ready for dessert, etc. Do I have energy left to engage with my people when I sit down at the table?
Am I taking time to pray over my guests prior to their arrival? Asking God to present moments I can share my faith, speak into each others lives, encourage them. Most times, probably not!
Sister, the Mary in my life, would rather be with her guests, look them in the eye and connect deeply with them. And she isn’t going to let a huge bouquet in the middle of the table get in her way of doing just that!
Jesus’ teaching in the scripture passage is showing us how to be in the moment. In other words, take it easy Martha, I will only be with you for awhile. Don’t get caught up in the busyness and miss your good portion in the here and now.
It’s a fine line for me & my Martha tribe - (You know who you are!) - but don’t let the pride of presenting a picture perfect home, table and meal over take the moments of enjoying those you have been blessed with in your home.
This excerpt of the Bible is placed after the parable of The Good Samaritan and before the Lord’s Prayer. It is a series of 3 teachings Jesus had for us: 1) What to do = The Good Samaritan, 2) How to be = Martha & Mary and 3) How to pray = The Lords Prayer.
I can’t help but reflect what a better place we’d all be in life if these concepts were more prevalent in our hearts and our homes. So the next time the cappuccino machine isn’t ready the moment the cake is cut and served, choose your good portion and just be.
The following scriptures I’ve referenced in my post are from the New International Version and the English Standard Version translation of the Bible:
How to do:
Luke 10:25-37 - The Parable of the Good Samaritan
How to be:
Luke 10:38-42 - At the Home of Martha and Mary
How to pray:
Luke 11:1-4 - The Lord’s Prayer
Blessings & thank you for the visit -
Rhonda