The Main Course

I'm not done yet with my book Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World.  I have one more chapter to read.  Last week though, my husband preached on the text from Luke 10.  I didn't get to hear his sermon (the kids and I were on vacation) but I did find his sermon notes while cleaning the kitchen.  We had a good discussion about what he saw in the text.  


I usually am not a fan of The Message translation or paraphrased version of the bible.  For the story of Mary and Martha though, it gives you a unique picture in your mind.

38 As they continued their travel, Jesus entered a village. A woman by the name of Martha welcomed him and made him feel quite at home. 39 She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said. 40 But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. "Master, don't you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand." 41 The Master said, "Martha, dear Martha, you're fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. 42 One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it - it's the main course, and won't be taken from her."  Luke 10:38-42 "The Message"

The main course.  How is your plate filled?  There is nothing wrong with being a Martha sometimes.  It's just looking at your plate of life and making sure the main course is just that.  The main part of your plate.  

I have trouble dividing my time up like that.  I want everything to be even.  Or I want to eat a lot of the "work" thinking that later on I can fill up on the "main course".  Too bad it doesn't work like that.  If I fill up on the "work" there will be no hunger left when it's time for the main course.  

So here is to good and healthy eating in our faith.  Here is to filling up on the main course and knowing what a good portion of each part of our faith life is.