Scriptural Foundation:
Luke 10:38-43 New King James Version (NKJV)
Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”
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.”
Reflection:
I have thanksgiving prep down to a science. I start cooking at twelve noon the day before the sides and then the turkey on the actual day. That means, I feed my kids and husband their “last meal” on Wednesday and then everyone must clear out of the kitchen until the next day. Yes, that means everyone fends for themselves until the thanksgiving dinner bell rings.
I literally use one pot and one sauce pan to make upwards of 10 sides. Did I mention that I was Italian by osmosis? I prepare a 20lb turkey and 10 plus sides to feed three adults and three kids. Yeah that is over kill…but I love it. I have learned over the years that preparing one side at a time is the best way to weave the holiday tradition together. Sure, it prolongs the process, but the outcome is simple perfect. When I say perfect, I don’t mean a holiday without snags. It just means that the day moves at a speed that I can fully absorb with all of my spirit, soul, and body the gratitude that I have in the Lord.
Looking back, the years that had been the most challenging in the moment were the ones that I didn’t have full control of course of the events. Some examples…the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade is the only program on, on Thanksgiving morning; there is no working if you are physically off on this day; and if I send you to the store for a specific item there should be no substitutions. All these examples are silly and at the end the day things were still perfect despite my need to “make” it perfect.
In our foundational scripture we see Martha trying to control the narrative of the social gathering. Jesus rebuked her not because what she was doing to for everyone was not appreciated, it was just not important at that time. In our need to make our lives perfect we miss the moments that the Lord is trying to teach us how to be thankful. The only way to fully experience thankfulness is to stop and breathe in the moment. It is my hope that you pause today, and really breathe in the moment and thank God for all the imperfections. It is in this thankfulness you will find Heavenly perfection!
Seeking Revelation:
Grab your notebook:
- What is the most frustrating thing about today? Make it a point to look at the situation from a Heavenly perspective. Considering eternity, is this frustration something that will tarnish your day…really. Breathe in peace, exhale strife.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18