Time Management Mary and Martha Style

I always hated the lesson on choosing the better part, using the example of Mary and Martha in Luke 10. The story goes like this: Mary and Martha are hosting Jesus and Martha is running around trying to get everything done, cleaning, cooking, whatever. She's frustrated that Mary is just sitting there talking with Jesus while she does all the work, and she asks Jesus to get Mary to help her. But instead, "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."

This story always made me mad because I felt like I was more like Martha being unjustly rebuked. I am always running around trying to get everything done. I am not usually frustrated or resentful of being the one that does all the work around the house because I get it done faster and more efficiently than if someone were to help me. And, quite frankly, it is much more helpful if my husband keeps the kids occupied and out of my hair while I cook dinner or clean the house or whatever it is that needs to be done. Besides, I enjoy the work and don't enjoy the entertaining of kids.

Still, I always thought it unfair that Martha was chastised for working. Aren't we always told that faith without works is dead? That means that the doing is just as important as the learning/believing. I always thought, "Why can't both Jesus and Mary get up and help Martha with dinner (or whatever it was she was working on) and they could all talk together about what Jesus was teaching them while they worked." I distinctly remember a Mormon video about quality time where the dad was painting a fence with his son and they were talking together the whole time.  What's wrong with that?  Doesn't working together facilitate conversation and bonding?

But as I was preparing the lesson on time management for church, this story came to mind because I was incorporating the importance of making time for spiritual things, relaxing, slowing down, and even doing nothing. I wanted them to know that some things are more important than those on your to-do list. And it was then that I realized what Jesus was really trying to tell Mary:

Stop what you are doing and give me your undivided attention. When I say I want quality time, I don't want you to multi-task. Get off the computer, close your book, face me, and listen to what I have to say. Time management isn't about how much you can cram in. Time management is about priorities, and sometimes, people come first.  When I spend time with you, I want to spend time with you.  Sometimes, the activity interferes with concentrated attention.  Focus on being fully present without distraction.

When we first got married, Rex got frustrated with me that I would start cleaning house and cooking dinner as soon as I walked in the door from work.  All he wanted me to do was lay down next to him on the couch and cuddle, but I felt like I didn't have time.  I know I am still a ball of energy, but I would love to stop and hold still if he wanted to talk to me.  Can I go back and reclaim that couch?