Saturday, December 16, 2006 - Mary of Bethany

This block is "Mary's Choice" for Mary of Bethany. Mary was the daughter of Simon the Leper and sister to Martha and Lazarus. Mary was often misunderstood for the choices she made. When she was sitting at Jesus' feet, listening and learning His truths, her sister thought she should be cooking and serving. When she sat patiently for Jesus to come to Bethany after Lazarus died, it was thought she should be running to meet Him. When she poured a very expensive perfume on Jesus' feet, she was called wasteful. Mary's choices, while maybe not the post "politically correct" (did they use that phrase then?!), were choices she made out of her love for Jesus.  I'm often misunderstood for the choices I make for Jesus. Everything from homeschooling, to alternative medicine, to my non-participation in traditions of man, to the foods I do or don't eat. While I sometimes wish I had a little more Martha in me, it is ok being Mary. I can only pray that my life pleases the Lord as much as Mary's did.

The blue fabric in the quilt block is for peace and truth. The floral reminded me of the spikenard plant that the expensive perfume Mary used was from, used in verses of love in Song of Solomon as well as the ladies that annointed Jesus feet.

You can read more about Mary of Bethany in Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:1-11; Luke 10; John 11-12.