This poem is somewhat old. I wrote it three years ago and hopefully, my writing has improved since then. But still there was something about it that made me want to put it up.
The sun was almost setting
When Jesus came to rest
And Martha prepared dinner
To please her honored guest
She hurried, scurried to and fro
Laid out the bread and meat
While Mary in the shadows
Sat at the Master's feet
Her hands were idle in her lap
Her eyes intent upon His face
She seemed to drink His every word
Oh, she could sit like this for days!
But Martha saw the crowded room
The work undone, the heavy air
How would she finish it in time?
She slowly fell into despair
How dare her sister sit in there?
She must be selfishness itself!
"Do you not care that my sister left me?
To do the work all by myself?"
(She knew she spoke too sharply then
But after all, she spoke the truth
A woman must work hard, be useful
Be like Rebekah and like Ruth)
Mary began to stand up slowly
Then glanced at Jesus for his command
What was she waiting for? "Tell her to help me!"
Was Martha's impatient, loud demand
She knew all the people were looking at Mary
And Mary's cheeks were red with shame
She waited to hear Jesus reprimand Mary
But to her dismay, she heard her own name.
"Martha, Martha, " Jesus said gently.
What did I do wrong? Martha mentally pleaded
"You are worried and upset about many things."
Of course, Lord, I am.
" Only one thing is needed."
"Mary has chosen what is better,
And it will not be taken away from her."
Mary got back on her knees, smiling widely
For the rest of the evening, she did not stir
Martha got all of her work accomplished
The food was served and the room was clean
She walked about, hot with shame and fury
All evening she kept on recalling that scene
She felt she could almost explode with frustration
Her anger at Mary had no end
But finally when their house was silent
She looked at the face of her sister and friend
Mary was smiling like an angel
She had fallen asleep, right there on her knees
She looked like a child with no fears and no worries
She looked like her heart held nothing but peace
And Martha felt the tears come gushing
Why didn't she feel any joy or pride?
She had made a fine dinner, she had done all her duties
She shouldn't be feeling so empty inside!
Couldn't Jesus see how much she struggled?
When she needed Mary, why had he interceded?
And a gentle voice whispered, "You need not struggle"
The voice told her firmly, "Only one thing is needed."