In Luke 10:39-40, we are told Mary sat at the Lord's feet and listened to Him talk, but Martha was distracted by the preparations that needed to be made.

Martha and her sister, Mary, had invited Jesus to their home, to serve Him and to prepare a meal for Him to enjoy. Martha assumed her sister would share the responsibilities of kitchen duties. Mary, however, relaxed comfortably at Jesus' feet and listened to His conversation, seemingly unaware of her sister's needs.

Irritated and angry, Martha responded by taking her complaints to Jesus. "Don't you care that Mary isn't doing her share of the work? Why should she be sitting like a queen while I work like a slave?"

Martha may have had the gift of hospitality, but she was overwhelmed by the work. It seemed unfair. A little help would go a long way; then they both could listen to Jesus.

When we are overworked and unappreciated, the unfairness of life pushes in on us. Constant demands make us uptight and resentful. Uptight and resentful people frequently shift blame to others.

For most of us, the Martha-Mary struggle is ongoing. Though we'd like to sit at Jesus' feet, who will help us fix dinner? Who will do the work? Our double personality creates tension. Which side should win?

Jesus exhibited perfect personality balance. His complete understanding of His life's purpose allowed Him to acknowledge both sides of the Mary-Martha equation. He was called to be a humble servant, yet knew that He must be about His Father's business. His parents found Him in the temple. Daily and early, He withdrew to listen for His Father's will through prayer. He constantly acknowledged His Father's presence. This kept Him in focus, balanced, free from distraction and irritation.

Our Martha side easily jumps into busy preparations, church activities and service projects. Yet it is only as we study His Word that we become more familiar with His will and character. As we learn more of Him, our personality becomes balanced and flexible. "Mary" keeps the "Martha" functioning.

We are called to serve, yet how we need to draw daily nourishment from the Word in order to be faithful servants and to reach out to the hurting world around us! God's Word becomes light for our daily path. His flesh and blood becomes our spiritual food and drink. His promise of eternal life restores our future and gives us hope. He is our strong rock, our health, our wisdom and our song.

May we have a Mary heart that seeks to know Him and then Martha hands to serve in joyful response.