Day 8

Written by Ps. Carol Hanes

What is Your One Thing?

Read

Luke 10:38-42 

Reflect

Who do you identify with most: Martha or Mary? I always wonder, where was Lazarus? He seems to be conveniently elsewhere. Jesus declared that Mary had chosen the one thing necessary: to sit at His feet, yet it's plain to see, there were guests to be fed and work to be done. Jesus masterfully took the extreme perspective to reveal something important to Martha and those who listened. 

There would never again be such an important guest visit their home. Martha realized this in the natural sense, but Mary did so in the supernatural. Martha was understandably preoccupied with the many external tasks required, whereas Mary focused on the internal and the eternal. 

There are many lessons here, but one was welcoming guests. Some tasks need to be done but resist the urge to do more than is necessary. What is actually enough? It's possible that pride can get in the way, and all the work is an attempt to impress or be thanked. What's is essential is a home, a host and a meal that declares: "Welcome! I'm so glad you're here."

When guests arrive, resist the urge to be caught up in any more details of preparation. Accept all offers of last-minute help. Let some things go. Be present in the moment. Enjoy the gathering of family and friends. Understand what it means to choose the one truly necessary thing.

Respond

Am I a Mary or a Martha or a Lazarus? (Could be some humour here.) 

Moving beyond hospitality and into all of life - do I do too much? Do I know when to quit?

How can I be more present in the moment and truly engage and enjoy the people I am with?