As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“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.” Luke 10:38-42 NIV, emphasis mine.
I arrived at a relative’s house, happy for the holidays. The cheery decorations, scrumptious food, and visits with family we see far too infrequently, created a magical moment.
Entering the bedroom my husband and I would occupy, I noticed the fresh vacuum marks on the carpet. I set down a suitcase as my nose detected the light fragrance of lilac permeating the room with its welcoming scent. Then my eyes drifted to where I always set my Bible and notebook while visiting: dust.
My gaze glanced to all surfaces, and yes, each had its own little supply of dust.
I chose to accept the dust as a welcome gift. If my family didn’t feel the need for perfection with company coming, then neither should I.
How liberating to excitedly anticipate a visit without the stress of pulling together a ‘perfectly’ clean and organized home!
I do still try to make my home welcoming to company. But with five of us, it takes constant attention. And I’m just not willing to give it constant attention day in and day out all year round.
I could, but I’d miss character building conversations with my girls. I could constantly clean, but then the only communication I’d have with Christ might be frazzled, incomplete sentences. (Not that Jesus minds incomplete sentences, but I do!) And, when I’m in perpetual motion, I tend to not hear Him, so my communication becomes a monotonous monologue.
But a surprise blessing of forgoing the ‘perfectly kept house?’ The blessing it is to guests who drop by unannounced. Not only our time together is spent with a more focused mind and heart engaged in the moment, not wondering if she sees this mess or that, but just maybe the state of my home alleviates a friends’ stress toward the striving of perfection. I’m content to invite her in, parading her through the chaos.
No, my house has never been a health hazard, but worrying about it could have been.
Visiting with family, encouraging people, and spending precious moments with others is such a better use of my time most days.
And I’m certain it’s what Jesus would want me to do, and what He wants for me.
If you, like me, struggle with keeping a perfectly clean house and a perfectly sane mindset, can we just encourage each other?
The holidays are meant to be celebrated and enjoyed by everyone. That means moms too. We also can treasure the moments of joy, the meaningful conversations, and the hilarious shenanigans of children this joyous season. Our homes, menus, or presents do not have to be perfect to perfectly enjoy the celebrations of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Won’t you join me in a prayer to remind us each how to truly celebrate?
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for clearly outlining what is important. That You know what is in our heart: creating great family memories of celebration. You know that’s why we tend to get caught up in the moment and maybe just go overboard, with too many demands on ourselves. Please help us to remember what Jesus reminded Mary and Martha, that the best moments are not spent on housework, but at Your feet. The best moments are spent with others, encouraging them and taking time for them. Thank You, for this instruction. Please help us each to treasure it and implement it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.