Being Mary at a Martha (Stewart) time of year

Now let's see, cards are mailed, tree is trimmed, decorations are up, presents bought and wrapped, menu is prepared, kids have treats for school party... oh hello there, I was just making sure everything is in order for Christmas this year. After what happened last year, I can't stand for another year like that... We had several unexpected guests show up, which called for extra preparation... and where is my sister? Sitting out in the living room just chatting away with Jesus... I can't believe her sometimes... ugh, she frustates me so much. Left me in the kitchen by myself to finish cooking the turkey, making the dressing and cranberries... just makes me shudder if I think too much about it. Not this year... no sir... I have extra food in case Peter and the guys show up unannounced... again... I tell you what, they never call, just show up... typical disciple! Oh here's my sister Mary, will you excuse me? I have to finish several things on my list before this afternoon.

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

I was so excited when Jesus decided to stop by with the guys! I was just so enthralled by his stories and teaching... I guess I forgot that Martha was in the kitchen by herself... I tend to do that sometimes, you know, forget... but it was Jesus! he was actually at our house! I was so overjoyed that he was visiting that I wanted to hear what he had to say! Who can blame me for wanting to sit and listen at his feet?

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

This Christmas, will you be bogged down trying to be Martha with visions of the pefect Christmas dancing in your head? Don't let worrying steal your joy, or your focus from Jesus!
Each Thanksgiving, my husband and I host the big dinner at our house. Both sets of parents come in and its a great day! The first year we did Thanksgiving together was our first year of dating... there was a lot to be anxious about... our parents were meeting for the first time and I felt strain to be Martha Stewart... needless to say, a few things kind of blew up in our faces... we were trying to do all the shopping, cook elaborate dinners, and hang out with our parents... in the short time that they were there.... through the years, our Thanksgivings have become easier and easier and this year was amazing... we were able to split the time between cooking, time with our parents and my having to work pretty great... it was a joy (but then we've had 3 prior to get to this point). We were less Martha and more Mary... I was able to focus on being Thankful and really take in the fullness of Thanksgiving. I responded to all the blessings in my life, a great husband, our amazing families and the time we were able to share together, with worship... On Black Friday, I went into work and as I listened to the first strains of Christmas music... I was joyful and excited about sharing the idea that God blessed me with over Thanksgiving dinner. My heart was overflowing with hope, love, joy... and I was at peace.
May God grant you genuine joy this most excellent of seasons!

Photo Credit: "Joy" By: Phing Chov, Used under Creative Commons Attribution license