The Good Portion...

How do you have a Mary heart and still get food on the table this Thanksgiving?

With Thanksgiving rapidly approaching, I can’t help but think about Martha and Mary. (Luke 10: 38-42). If you are like me, you can totally relate to Martha. You may even have feelings of agitation just thinking about the upcoming Thanksgiving preparations and the growing list of “to do’s”. We know from the scriptures that it is better to be a Mary than a Martha, but is that realistic? Is there some kind of a hall pass during holiday get-togethers?

In the story, poor Martha really got herself worked up into a “tizzy” to the point of being anxious, troubled, and distracted while trying to serve Jesus and his followers. I can just see her running around trying to do ten things at once not to mention the pressure to impress. I have certainly been there and I bet you have been too. It ends up being an unpleasant experience for everyone involved.

Martha set herself up by trying to do too much and took her eye off the prize in the process. Perhaps if she started with the heart of Mary, then maybe she would have chosen something simpler to serve or at the very least, she wouldn’t have been so worked up about it. Jesus said himself that just one thing was necessary and it wasn’t what Martha was serving up. It was being with Him.

So, this Thanksgiving keep your eyes on Jesus and give yourself permission to keep it simple. If you don’t love elaborate décor, keep it in the box. If you are overwhelmed by all the food dishes you have planned, scale back. None of that is necessary. Chose the good portion, which can’t be taken away.

Questions

What do you think Jesus wanted from Martha compared to what Martha was trying to give him?

What do you think your family members really want from their Thanksgiving time together this year (besides rolls…that's a given)?

Is there anything you would like to simplify about your Thanksgiving preparations this year?

Scripture

“Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10: 38-42