So I have always loved Easter. I am one of those people that loves every holiday and freaks out and dances in the aisles of the store when they start putting out stuff for the next holiday. Well, this Easter was really weird because I was so excited for it and spent so much time making the dinner, that suddenly, Easter was over and I didn't really even think about the Atonement and I didn't listen in church, I didn't even make an Easter basket for Puggles. It was really weird and I'm really frustrated with myself, because I feel like I wasted a holiday, and a really important one at that.
I was thinking about this today and then I thought of the story of Jesus with Mary and Martha. I don't know if I have ever actually read it before, but I have heard lots of people tell the story, so this is what my imagination has turned it into:
Jesus comes to visit his friends, Mary and Martha (and their family I'm assuming). He sits in the living room and is talking and telling stories to this beautiful Mary. Then Martha, equally as beautiful, comes rushing in, covered in flour and holding a bowl and spoon and asks for Mary's help making this special feast for their special guest. Martha is thinking about how frustrated she is because no one ever helps her and it is really important for the house to be clean and the food to be perfect for this amazing person that has come into their home. However, Jesus tells her to come and sit, to listen to him with Mary, for that is the more important thing.
It may be odd, but all my life, I have kind of pictured myself being more of a Martha. I have often been the one cleaning and cooking, doing the "important" work while everyone else gets to sit around and enjoy themselves (remember, this is how I see myself, it is probably very far from the truth as Tyson is usually the one cooking in our home). I often felt bad for Martha in this story because she doesn't even get credit for all the hard work she is doing. But then yesterday, as I was thinking about my hallow Easter, I realized how very wrong I have been all my life. Yes, cleaning and cooking are important things, and everyone needs to eat and it is nice to be in a clean home. But sometimes, that is not the most important thing. As Tyson said, we could have had a crock pot dinner, or corn dogs and tater tots, and no one would have cared. But there I was, freaking out about making this perfect meal and I missed every opportunity to listen, learn, or even speak about the Savior.
I don't ever want to miss another holiday, or another Sunday. Although, I am sure Martha was a good woman, I think I need to work on being more like Mary. I need to listen when my Savior speaks.
