"Christ in the House of Mary and Martha" is thought to be the earliest known painting by Vermeer. The strongest argument for its early date is the difference in painting techniques between this work and his later ones. In no other painting does he focus so exclusively of the figures in the central core of the composition. Vermeer in his mature works was very conscious of the relationship of his figures to the environment, a concern not evident in this work." (c. 1654-1656, oil on canvas, 63 x 53 7/8 in., National Gallery of Scotland)
"Sometimes I’m such a Martha, worrying about the needs of the household, fretting about tasks that must be done, and anxious about tomorrow," writes our dear blogfriend Laura Lee Donoho of The Wide Awake Cafe, teaching us to listen to the words of her savior [click here for Laura Lee's long-ago sketch that "helped me to see how much a Martha I have been lately"]:
It’s so much better to put away the stressful thoughts, close the door on the ever present chores and sit at the feet of the One who gives comfort and peace. Mary chose the better part . . .
But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
Luke 10: 38-42
As we were reading, a few tears welled up. Then the Martha in us spoke up, saying, yah, but . . . If not we, who will take care of the 1001 details of Easter festivities at Goomp's? We and our sis and Tuck and Chris and Goomp will, of course, but we'll stop to smell the roses along the way. When the company arrives from the four corners of coastal New England to break bread together on Sunday, we'll be thinking of the words of Laura Lee's uncle:
A lot of love just walked in this door.
Memories of family gatherings past and plans for the upcoming monsoon season -- a Down East sailboat charter cruise with the nephews and their significant others this summer is in the works, believe it or not -- will remind us that hope springs eternal.
Beautiful Sissy. Thank you.
Posted by: Laura Lee Donoho | April 12, 2006 at 12:05 PM
Yikes, I never thought of the connection between the biblical Martha and Martha Stewart before!
Posted by: misskelly | April 12, 2006 at 12:34 PM
The love and support we give and receive from our family and friends make all of us rich in blessings, indeed..
Posted by: Tara | April 12, 2006 at 12:54 PM
Having a loving and supportive family is a wonderful thing.
Remembering to stop and take some time with them while you're all together... priceless.
Posted by: Teresa | April 12, 2006 at 02:37 PM
misskelly-that is a profound observation! Scary-but profound!
Posted by: Gayle Miller | April 12, 2006 at 03:18 PM