Sunday, October 21, 2007

Having a Mary heart and a Martha Mind


Having a Mary Heart and a Martha Mind


Lord of all pots and pans and things, since I’ve no time to be A saint by doing lovely things, or watching late with Thee,


Or dreaming in the dawn-light, or storming Heaven’s gates,


Make me a saint by getting meals and washing up the plates.


Although I must have Martha’s hands,


I have a Mary mind,


And when I black the boots and shoes,


Thy sandals, Lord, I find.


I think of how they trod the earth, what time I scrub the floor:


Accept this meditation, Lord, I haven’t time for more.


Warm all the kitchen with Thy love, and light it with Thy peace;


Forgive me all my worrying, and make my grumbling cease.


Thou who didst love to give men food, in room or by the sea,


Accept this service that I do -— I do it unto Thee.—


Cecily Rosemary Hallack (1898-1938)

6 comments:

  1. Funny, I was thinking of this story before I came online! There is so much to learn here. That's beautiful.

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  2. My favorite line "Forgive me all my worrying, and make my grumbling cease. "

    This is my prayer:)

    I love this bible illustration and I love your poetry. May God continue to bless your talent

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  3. Love this, Suzy!
    btw: If you don't mind copy/pasting, there's a poem I think you'll like here:http://peacebestill.typepad.com/everything_you_never_care/2007/10/assignment-8--u.html?cid=87235364#comment-87235364

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  4. I think the whole story of Martha and Mary is to teach us to make our work whether it be scrubbing the floors or washing the dishes a prayer.

    You dont have to be kneeling 24/7 in order to pray. That is especially impossible for busy Mums and Dad's.

    What an excellent piece Thankyou Suzy:)

    Peace to you:)

    Marie

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  5. This speaks to so many of us, Suzy. And as the previous commentator says we can make our work a prayer.

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Thank you for your thoughts.