The story of Mary and Martha from Luke 10:38-42
is one that is familiar to most women. It is generally used to show the
difference in the focus of the two: Mary focused on Christ and Martha focused
on earthly concerns. While this story has nothing to do with homeschooling, it
is one of my favorite Bible passages that inspires, teaches, and encourages me
as a homeschool mom.
All too often I find myself on the Martha side
of the equation. In fact my overwhelming Martha tendencies led me down the path to learn how to be more of a Mary. So what would Mary and Martha be like if they
were homeschool mothers?
Mary
- Focuses on the hearts and character of herself and her children
- Uses academics to point to God
- Shows the patience and love of God through her attitude and how she deals with academic struggles
- Prays over her homeschool every day
- Prioritizes good habits in spiritual, physical, and emotional matters
- Makes her homeschool one of restful learning
Martha
- Focuses on academic standards and how well her children are doing academically
- Uses academics to point to future career plans
- Shows the wrath and judgment of God through her attitude and how she deals with academic struggles
- Too busy to consistently pray or spend time in Bible study
- Prioritizes keeping up with other homeschoolers, public school, or private schools
- Makes her homeschool one of deadlines, worry, and stress.
After reading these lists, I still find myself
with a majority of affirmatives on the Martha side. But the wonderful part of
Mary and Martha’s story is that Jesus doesn’t condemn Martha for her request
for assistance. Jesus merely tells her that what Mary is doing is better, more
important, than Martha’s concerns.
I believe the same is true
of Homeschool Mary and Homeschool Martha. Martha’s focus and concerns are not
necessarily bad, but they aren’t as beneficial and eternity-focused as Mary’s. That
thought helps this Martha breathe a sigh of relief. I can still be a Martha; I
just need to choose the good. Sit at Jesus’ feet more. Alter my focus more. I
need to focus on being a Mary more every day because there is something better out there for my homeschool and my children if I choose to be Mary.
Check out what other verses inspire the bloggers
at iHomeschool Network:
What Bible verse
has been the most inspirational in your homeschool journey?
Chelli
No comments:
Post a Comment