I have been thinking lately that I'm more of a Martha than a Mary (Luke 10:38-41). I haven't been able to do anything--read, sew, etc.--as long as there's a chore to be done. I can't stand an unmade bed or a sink full of dirty dishes. If the laundry basket is full, I must empty it. But it has come to me that I'm missing a lot of life, trying to make sure the bed is made, the socks are clean, and the towels are folded. So I've vowed to change. Yesterday, I let the bed go unmade until almost bedtime--then it seemed pointless to make it, so I just straightened the sheets and covers. As I write, there are several dirty dishes in my sink and the laundry basket is overflowing. So far, the the housekeeping police have not arrived to arrest me. I think that's a good sign. As they say in 12-Step Programs, I'm taking it one day at a time.
I love synchronicity (what some people call coincidence, but I don't believe in coincidence). I honestly and truly have been thinking a lot on the Martha and Mary story lately, and trying to not get too caught up in making sure all the "chores" are done before I can enjoy Life. Then, lo and behold, this morning our minister's sermon was based on the Martha and Mary story from Luke. According to Deepak Chopra, this is important. He says that sychronicity (or coincidence, if you prefer) is God's way of guiding us. So I think maybe, for once, I'm moving in the right direction. Well, I hope so.
Clare has tagged me to answer some revealing questions. So here goes:
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? My paternal grandmother. Her name was Susan Alvetta. Mine is Susan Elaine. The Elaine was daddy's cousin's idea.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Sometimes. Sometimes not. It changes.
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? 2 children, 2 stepchildren, 1 grandson, and a dog
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Hell no!
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Oatmeal in winter; Cheerios or Total in summer.
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? This is a silly questions.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? What doesn't kill us makes us stronger, they say. Just call me Popeye.
15. RED OR PINK? Pink, PINK, PINK!!!!! Oh, I love pink.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My babies. They're grown-ups now.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Burnt Sienna, only because I think that would be a beautiful name. But I'd have on pink panties.
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? Coffee is no. 1. Turkey and dressing cooking on Thanksgiving morning. A real Christmas tree. Peaches. Lavendar. Avon Skin So Soft. Fresh cut grass. Honeysuckle.
27. HAIR COLOR? Well it depends on what kind of mood my hairdresser is in. We try to stay in the neighborhood of dark blonde.
28. EYE COLOUR? Blue.
30. FAVORITE FOOD? If I have to pick just one, it would be coconut pie.
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Scary movies with happy endings.
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? The Godfather (last night)
34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Winter (but my favorite is Fall)
35. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs. My family didn't hug, so I was severly hug-deprived as a child. I've tried to make up for it in my adulthood.
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. (Good book!)
42. FAVORITE SOUND? Music, especially The Eagles, Journey, and Vince Gill.
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Rolling Stones
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? About 3000 miles.
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I used to be able to predict the winners of sporting events--especially baseball. But then one October, my dearest uncle lost a ton of money betting of the team I said would win the World Series. I've never tried to predict winners again. (I stress that I was NOT involved in the betting, nor did I encourage my uncle to do so. I just told him who I thought was going to win.)
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? The Jefferson-Hillman Hospital (currently UAB) in Birmingham, Alabama
47. WHAT SUPERPOWER WOULD YOU LIKE? I'd like to be able to make it rain.
Now wasn't that interesting? If you are reading this and have a blog, consider yourself tagged. --Susan
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On 07/23/2007, Granny Fran said ...
This Martha is having a difficult time learning to rest and take it easy. I think God is telling me I need to learn more Mary like behavior. I like the comment about Teilhard de Chardin. I've long thought that his theology made so much sense and helped me understand how faith and science can work hand in hand instead of being adversaries.
On 07/23/2007, Susan Lenz said ...
Hi!
The story of Martha and Mary is one of my favorites too. I used to be more like Martha but have been trying to be more like Mary...and I LIKE EVERYTHING ABOUT LIFE SO MUCH MORE. Gee! What a shock!
Susan
PS Love the cat scan!
On 07/26/2007, Kay said ...
I'm sure not a Martha--lots of unfinished chores in my life! But I've always hesitated to think about myself as a Mary, since she was so spiritual. There should be a third category, don't you think?
On 08/02/2007, mom2fur said ...
I should have stopped by earlier. Thanks for playing tag! Wow...would you believe my older sister's name is Susan Elaine? I'm not kidding. She shares a middle name with my mom, Dorothy Elaine.
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