Are you a Martha or Mary?

…Mary sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made…”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.” (Excerpts from Luke 10:38-42)

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Thanksgiving Day is upon us. If you have having company for Thanksgiving dinner, you are making plans and lists of all that needs to be done, from cleaning to preparing the meal. Some of you are eagerly awaiting a sporting event to watch or even to participate in. So much to do…yet have you ever noticed how fast the actual Thanksgiving Day goes by? Grand amounts of turkey, potatoes, gravy, yams, rolls, green beans, corn, cranberries, apple or pumpkin pies will be consumed and afternoon naps in from of the television will soon be a thing of the past. We’ll be on to our next task of rushing through stores, purchasing gifts and pulling out the decorations for Christmas.

We are a society of busyness – too many Martha’s and not enough Mary’s! We are so busy we forget to relax and rest. We may even get so caught up in the busyness that we forget to be thankful and to focus on what is most important. What if we took some notes form Mary and made the people we are celebrating with more important than the food or clean up? I know the turkey and all the fixings have to be made and cleanup will need to be accomplished – BUT what about taking time to sit with family and friends for a while? Relax into a discussion with that older Aunt or Uncle who, well, may not be here for the next Thanksgiving. Take time to play a game of checkers or “Go Fish” with the kids who normally want nothing to do with adults. Part of being thankful is appreciating those around us and taking time to know them and show them we care.

I pray that everyone will have a restful Thanksgiving Day as we take time for each other and even take a moment to give thanks to the Lord who gives us all we need!