My name is Mary. I am a listener. I love to sit at Jesus' feet and learn all the things that he has to teach me.

One day, the Lord was coming to the home that I share with my sister, Martha, and our brother, Lazarus. He was going to spend the afternoon with us and share some lessons. My sister and I and, of course, our brother were incredibly excited and honored that our home was chosen for this meeting, In fact, I think I walked around the whole morning with stars in my eyes!

I really did try to do my best at helping Martha in the kitchen, before everyone arrived, but when I looked up and saw Jesus sitting there, teaching all those men who had gathered around, I felt a tug at my heart and I knew, I just knew, I had to be a part of it!

I was so engrossed in the lessons Jesus was teaching that I didn't notice my sister was standing behind me, until Jesus stopped His lesson and looked at her to speak. I swiveled my head around to look up at her, and I could see immediately that she was very upset. I instinctively knew that it had something to do with me—we're sisters, after all, we know these things. I bowed my head, ashamed that I had done something to hurt my sister—and in front of Jesus and our guests too!

Martha asked Jesus why He didn't care that I wasn't helping her in the kitchen, and my face burned with shame. I remembered that Jesus had often said that we should think of others before we thought of ourselves—how selfish He must think I am, to leave her to do the work alone! They must all think I'm selfish to sit here while my sister slaves in the kitchen.

I looked up, into His face, thinking that was the best way to take His scolding, but I found nothing but compassion in His eyes as He looked at both of us.

He told my sister that she was wrong for wanting me to stop listening to Him, in order to help her. He told her that I had made the better choice.

I felt validated! My heart wanted to sing out with praises to Him!

For a moment, I felt like telling my sister that I'd been right, and she was wrong, but then I remember that His compassionate smile had been directed at both of us. He loved each of us, and it had nothing to do with what we might do, or say, or think. He simply wants to be a part of our lives.

My name is Mary, and I am still a listener, but I have learned that each person is giving a special gift from God, and it is not our place to say one is better than the other.