Being a fast Sunday, one of the members of the Relief Society Presidency taught the lesson in Relief Society today. As soon as I saw the pictures on the table, I knew it was going to be a fun discussion. She had chosen to discuss the story of Martha and Mary in Luke 10 from the New Testament. Now, you need to know that every time I read that story I kind of get angry at Mary. Being a mother of four children and with a very full life I sympathize with Martha, working all day and finding no rest. I feel sorry for her when she tells the Savior: "Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me." (Luke 10:40). The story itself starts in verse 38 and ends with verse 42. Every time I read the story, emotionally I'm caught up at verse 40 (the one I just quoted). The discussion proved as I had expected, fun and with various kinds of answers, because of course we are all Marthas and Marys. Our teacher read the verses many times, and toward the end of the lesson she read slowly the last verses, which I usually skip over, because I'm upset at Mary at that point. Here they are:
"And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." (Luke 10: 41-42)
This time I wasn't angry. Instead, through the Spirit I felt a personal revelation go straight to my heart. I was told that all my hard work, concerns, service and love for others is absolutely appreciated and needed. Martha was kind and hardworking and she wanted to please Jesus. Mary did too. Now this is the piece of information I hadn't thought before. Mary was hardworking and service oriented as much as Martha. She probably was working till the Savior came in the house and started teaching. The only difference was that Mary realized when to stop and listen, to choose "that good part". In the past, I had understood this story that we either are Marys or Marthas, or that we just need to find balance in our lives. This time thanks to the Spirit something was added to my understanding. My hard work is needed for our lives to function, but I need to know when to stop when I feel those special moments approaching. I need to stop and let the Spirit fill my soul either through prayer, scripture study, temple attendance, or just simple meditation or rest. It is important that I take a break from daily duties and make my Savior a priority, so I can also choose "that good part, which shall not be taken away from" me, my relationship with him. I'm grateful for personal revelation and the Holy Ghost. I'm grateful for my Savior and his teachings.
