Losing Sight

Luke 10: 38- 42

“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened up 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 of 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!”

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

On that note, I say Happy Thanksgiving to you all!  I just couldn’t let this holiday go by without reading this scripture today.  It is just such a great reminder as we all enter into this wonderful holiday season.

We are lucky enough to have my husband’s brother and his wife and two small children (19 months and 2 months) in town this week.  We also have my husband’s parents in town this week.  On Thanksgiving day, my sister and her husband and two children as well as my own parents will also join us for the day.  I could not be happier but I would be lying if I did not admit this type of entertaining also comes with a bit of stress.

You see, I am one of those people who really enjoy hosting people.  But I also like all of the t’s to be crossed and the i’s to be dotted, if you follow me.  I say I have a gift of hospitality.  I truly like to make things nice for people.  I just appreciate the details and the efforts that must be made to entertain.

But I do have to be careful with this.  Sometimes I get tired and stressed and even bitter.  I work so hard that I let it become more of a chore than something I enjoy.  I lose sight of what is important.

What is most important is not whether the napkins are ironed perfectly.  It is not really about whether the silver is polished.  Truthfully, most people do not even notice.  And believe it or not, it is not even really a big deal if you cut some corners and use a can instead of fresh in a recipe or two.

What matters is the time you spend together, laughing and visiting and loving on each other. That is what we will remember.  Looking back on my life, what stands out about our holidays was just the fact that we were together.  Sure, I loved the home made goodies and I have to admit, as a girly girl, I did appreciate the nicely set table.  And when my child grows up, she will cherish memories similar to mine….of Grandma’s recipes and running around with cousins. 

The most important thing we are called to do as Christians is to love God and to love other people.  If we put too much focus on anything other than that, we are not living out our purpose.

So relax and enjoy the people you are surrounded with today.  Love on them.  Listen to their stories.  Don’t be so caught up in the details of a pretty table that you yell at your children or spouse.

And if you happen to be alone, enjoy your time with God.  Embrace him and know he is there for you.  Even in the darkest of circumstances, Paul was able to find comfort and contentment through Christ who gave him strength.

Like Paul, God has given you everything you need to be happy and content.  He has blessed you.  

Go back to Matthew 5 and read one of the most famous sermons ever, often referred to as the Sermon on the Mount.  Here it is..

Matthew 5

 1 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.

    He said:

   3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
   for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
   for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
   for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
   for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
   for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
   for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
   for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
   for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

   11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Happy Thanksgiving!  You know I have to leave you with a song!  It is just beautiful.  Hope you enjoy it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XO7Dbd9mKvo