Mary, Martha, and Turkey

Boy, I like Google. It's helped this first-time hosting, first Thanksgiving turkey experience go rather well - from the logistical point of view. I had my 5-day plan and grocery list ready to go for this one meal, just like I would my Black Friday plans. Too bad it's become an idol.

I've gotten so caught up in trying to make the "perfect" turkey that I've pushed aside important responsibilities, especially spending time with the Lord. Rather than cultivating a hospitable heart, I've brewed up a prideful one. Opening up our home wasn't a bad thing, but I lost sight that being hospitable doesn't mean perfect food. It was about my attitude.When I realized this, I thought of Mary and Martha.

"Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister called Mary, seated at the Lord's feet, listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me." But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her."" -Luke 10:38-42

While discussing with Mr. Woo today, he pointed out a detail that I had overlooked. Martha, in all her business, got frustrated/mad when asking that Mary help. That's me too! In the heat of an argument, I not-so-secretly got frustrated that Mr. Woo wasn't going to cook anything. Ugh, I'm so wicked. My poor husband...

BUT with God's overflowing grace and the help of my patient husband, I'm once again sitting at the Lord's feet to listen. Please pray for me in the days to come that I would be reminded to sit and listen, so that when I prepare for Thursday's dinner, I would do so with a humble, hospitable, loving heart. :)