Oh wait, first. Let me tell you my story.
Yesterday we drove out to Whitney's for rehearsal. Some of you may not know, we live a good 1.5 hours away from each other. We generally meet in the middle for rehearsals, etc. but that day we headed to Whit's. Which, of course, put me a little behind schedule, and I was feeling a little antsy. That morning, as I had rushed to get myself and my two kids ready for the road trip, I shuddered at the state of each room. My house was officially a disaster. My laundry pile was completely taking over my closet. I had absolutely nothing planned for dinner that night. So when I finally pulled into my driveway late that afternoon I gave my kids strict instructions to stay downstairs for one hour while I picked up. I was a madwoman on a mission. With the Clorox wipes in one hand, laundry baskets in the other, and a duster in my teeth, I cleaned my house, started the laundry, emptied the dishwasher, reloaded it, then RE-STARTED IT, (that's how bad my dishes were), and started dinner. And after I crashed on the couch with my little ones pulling at my pant legs, it hit me. (And here comes the confession.)
I am a MARTHA.
That's right people, I'm a Martha. What's a Martha? Think to the story found in the bible of the two sisters, Mary and Martha. Martha was cumbered about with much serving, while Mary spent her time at the feet of the Savior, listening. We all know Mary chose "that greater part". But secretly I've always felt a little defensive of Martha, while at the same time wishing I was more Mary-like.
But when my husband came home that night, after a rough day at work, he took a look at the house and with a sigh of relief said, "The house looks great!" I could almost see the stress melting from his face. My family was able to sit together for dinner, then we had a nice FHE. This isn't always the way our nights go, but last night I was grateful to be a Martha. And I thought about all the "Martha-ish" things I like to do. I love throwing parties and making lots of unhealthy food for people. I love decorating my kids' rooms. I feel calmer when my house is picked up.
So I guess what I'm trying to say is, I like being a Martha. After all, the scriptures say, "Jesus Loved Martha." That being said, I really want to be more like Mary. So I decided I want to be both. Who says you can't have your cake and eat it too? I think the real challenge is prioritizing. But like Whit says, the beautiful thing about this Gospel is we CAN have it all. We just have to be willing to fight for it. So Marthas of the world-Unite! Fight with me! Or at least come over here and clean my house so I can be more Mary-ish. :)
XOXO
Brooke
I don't know how old your kids are, but we have started something new at our house. We turn on all the lights, then the kids and I work together in each room, turning off the lights as we go. If I tell the kids to each clean a room, nothing gets done. But if we all work together, everyone stays on task. Keep up the good work Mama!
ReplyDeleteStephers, what a good idea! I guess I should clarify, lest people think I don't teach my kids responsibility! Ha!
ReplyDeleteMy oldest just turned 4, and my youngest is 16 months. My 4 year old helps quite a bit, especially in her room and the playroom, but my 16 month old is in the "I'll-follow-mom-and-undo-any-cleaning-she's-done" phase. So my 4 year old's job that day was to keep her brother in the playroom. But I LOVE the lights out idea! I'm putting that in my folder of things to try. Thanks for the tip!
xo
Martha Martha Martha! This is the first time I have looked at your Mercy River blog and I love it. Such great posts. I would have to agree with you I am also a Martha and majority of the time want to be a marytha, I guess we can't have it all huh. I struggle balancing my time too. But I did love this post and definitely relate
ReplyDeleteHi! I met all of you at TOFW in Ogden this last weekend. I told ya'll about our sweet birth mother of our 3-month-old daughter that is having a hard time and that I was buying your cd for her because it's just what she needs right now.
ReplyDeleteAnyway - I love this post! I am so a Mary! I relax more and am generally happier when my house is clean and so is my husband! Your description cracked me up. Thanks for being you! And thank you for your beautiful music.