From the Editor
Are you a Mary or a Martha?
For those struggling to remember the Biblical story of the sisters who welcome Jesus into their home in the books of Luke and John, Martha is described as working hard to prepare the home for Jesus while Mary sits and listens to Jesus.
The story stresses that both sisters serve in their own way with Mary understanding the importance of abiding with Christ.
As siblings, my mom and aunts would always dispute over who was a Mary and who was a Martha.
My Mom showed her Martha colors on Thanksgiving as she worked hard in organizing in preparing a Thanksgiving meal that could feed 12 for six people. My Aunt Vicky and Uncle Joe were in town and Aunt Vicky also showed her Martha colors by helping her in the kitchen for hours.
Both also exhibited Mary tendencies though as we spent a lot of time just visiting, listening to records and playing a game of Phase 10 where Uncle Joe got to be winner and everyone else lost to varying degrees.
The truth of that story to me is that a well-rounded person is both a Mary and a Marth and though my mom and aunts would claim to be one or the other, they provided great examples as Marthas, taking care of homes and providing life lessons as teachers.
They also showed how important it is to listen and be there, in the moment, for others.
This year, I’m thankful for all the Marys and Marthas in our lives who show actions are important but so is valuing those around you.
—Paul Gaudette can be reached at publisher@ dublincitizen.com.