“One thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” —Luke 10:42, NIV
Yesterday, I was distracted by everything on my to-do list. It was hard for me to settle my spirit and focus on God’s Word.
Today, I chose to be still. Embedded in my daily reading of Luke was a familiar story. Familiar, and yet, a story I continuously need to be reminded of. The account of Mary and Martha really hit home. “Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made” (v. 40) to entertain Jesus. Do you think she was a bit of a perfectionist? I do.
Ask me how I know.
It’s easy to look around and get our tinsel in a tangle because others don’t seem to be working as hard as we are to prepare for the holidays. Verses 41 & 42 are good reminders that not all we feel needs to be done is necessary. Especially if it’s at the expense of the “one thing” that is truly needed.
“And Jesus answered and said to her, ’Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.’”
If we’re stressed out as we prepare for the presence of guests, let’s hit the reset button and, above all else, prepare our hearts for the presence of the One whose coming we celebrate.
Martha opened her home, but it was Mary who opened her heart and carried the appropriate spirit—a merry one.
Let’s choose accordingly.
This year, I wish you a truly . . . Mary Christmas.
This was a very good reality check Starr. Thanks for posting it. My tinsel is great. It’s those lights that are a mess. By the time I get them untangled, they quit working and i have to run through each bulb to see which one needs replaced.
You’re welcome. Ben. And yes, those lights will test our Christmas spirit. Always so worth it though. Mary Christmas, my friend!
Oh how you can turn a phrase Ms. Starr. I’ve been getting my “tinsel in a tangle” for years; I just never knew that’s what it was called. I always say “You’re trying to boil the ocean.” Different paths to the same results though my friend. Let us be “Mary” and not “Martha” this year my friend. Such perfect timing for this post. Thank you, God’s blessings, and Merry CHRISTmas!
Never heard boil the ocean either, JD. 😂 Yes, let’s have a Mary Christmas! Blessing, kind friend.
This week I needed this sooo very much. Thank you Starr!
I’m so happy it helped, Cindy. Mary Christmas to you and yours.