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 the light fragrance of lilac permeated the room with its welcoming scent. Then my eyes drifted to where I always set my Bible and notebook while visiting. I was surprised to see 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 guest feel welcome. But I don’t worry about attempting any Martha Stewart moments. I’m just not willing to give my house 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 is our time together spent with a more focused mind and heart engaged in the moment, but just maybe the state of my home alleviates a friends’ stress toward the striving of perfection. Maybe she is blessed by the fact I’m content to invite her in, parading her through the chaos. Blessed that I am treasuring her company over a completely clean house.
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 has authored 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 treasure the celebrations of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Won’t you join me in a prayer to remind us each how to truly celebrate?
Prayer: 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 go overboard, placing 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.