What's that old saying? Fish and house guests are good only for 3 days?
Sometimes house guests are messy. Or lazy. Sometimes guests are just a lot of work. They disrupt our schedule and our regular routine and sometimes even critique the way you do things or clean your house. Sometimes they just plain overstay their welcome. Sometimes they even arrive unannounced!
It takes a lot of work to serve them. We have to bite our tongue at their criticism or show an extra measure of patience when they need yet another pillow or new towel.
Yet at other times we have great guests. Ones we really look forward to and are sad when they leave. They are helpful and flexible. They understand when the dishwasher breaks and everything has to be washed by hand. Or when the car breaks down and they have to find a new way to the airport. When they leave we feel refreshed!
As hosts or hostesses we can lose ourself in service to any guest. Much like Martha, we can lose ourselves in the preparations for the guests. While her sister, Mary was "at the Lord's feet listening to what he said" Martha was "distracted by all the preparations that had to be made". (Luke 10:30-42)
During this busy season, I know I need to remember Jesus' words, they call to me.
"Sarah, Sarah (Martha, Martha)," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Who is coming to your house to visit this Christmas? What are you doing to prepare for their visit?
What if it were Jesus who were coming to eat your food and sleep in your guest bed? What would you do differently?
How will you sit at the feet of Jesus today to prepare for his coming?
"Prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed." 1 Peter 1:13
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