November/December
"But Martha became exasperated by finishing the numerous household chores in preparation for her guests…” Luke 10:40 (TPT)
It’s that time of year of holiday shopping, preparations, traveling, chores, hosting family gatherings, welcoming guests…, busy, busy! Around this time of year the song by Andy Williams entitled, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” can also be heard playing in Malls on the radio and television. The song lyrics… kids jingle belling, everyone telling you be of good cheer, friends come to call, parties for hosting, marshmallows toasting, caroling out in the snow and so on. A lot of busyness for the most wonderful time of the year. All the holiday busyness can lead to being overwhelmed causing frustration, irritable and weary from all the activities.
Which reminds me of two sisters Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42. Martha was so busy and distracted preparing and cooking for Jesus and the others when she became frustrated and irritable from all the tasks. While Mary chose instead to rest at the feet of Jesus and listen to His teaching.
Martha had good intentions opening her home welcoming Jesus and the other guests, but lost focus causing frustration. Her frustration lead her to go to Jesus and ask him if he cared that her sister Mary left her alone to work by herself and told Him to tell Mary to come help her. Note Martha was so upset that she didn’t even address Mary directly, but instead asked Jesus to do it for her. While Martha was focus on during the tasks for Jesus Mary was more focus on spending time with Jesus.
How many times have we open our home with good intentions welcoming relatives or guests and then become irritated and frustrated with all that’s involved making sure the house is cleaned, fresh linen/towels, grocery shopping and cooking meals. Out of frustration and weariness we can become upset with spouse, children, siblings or relatives for not helping out even short-tempered with the guests.
Martha went from welcoming Jesus to blaming him for not caring about her. In other words, Jesus you wouldn’t be teaching right now, but concerned about my request and tell Mary to get up and come help me. In doing so, Martha was putting Mary on blast in front of everyone and having Jesus to choose whose right or wrong.
Jesus replied, “Martha, Martha” you are worried and upset about many things, but a few things are needed, Mary has chosen what’s better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
So many times we get caught up in tasks, work projects, school assignments, etc., pushing our bodies to the limit causing fatigue, dehydration, bad eating habits, no sleep leading to frustration and blaming others for not caring instead of realizing we took on more than we should’ve or not to hesitate to ask for help when needed.
This holiday season, let’s not go overboard making a big fuss overspending, stretching ourselves causing us to become upset and frustrated. Let’s commit to staying focus, maintaining our peace and joy by coming aside daily early in the morning or before bed with prayer and devotion in the presence of God for strength and refreshing. We must take care of ourselves before we burn out even turn off cell phone, television for an hour or so as well as eating healthy, drink plenty of water, exercise, sleep to avoid getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Be still!
Spend quality time with the family enjoying the true meaning of the holiday season being grateful and content with all that we have making memories and remembering the greatest gift of all Jesus Christ the reason for the season!
“Be anxious for nothings, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” Philippians 4:6