The Better Part

I am a Mary in name but very frequently a Martha at heart. When I host an event, I want to prepare for it in my way. Without fail, this results in more work for me and others. I laser focus on completing my own personal checklist rather than being patient with my spouse and fully present to my guests. I have the gift of organizational skills, but too often pride myself on juggling multiple balls at one time.

Many years ago, we hosted family Thanksgiving the Sunday prior to the Thursday feast. That Sunday happened to be the last day of a parish Watch retreat. I was part of the team. (I know…what was I thinking?!) What role I played on that retreat I have forgotten, but I remember feeling (pridefully) confident that I could manage both of those large responsibilities. 

No doubt I left a long to-do list for my husband to complete while I was on retreat. Family members always ask what they can bring and that weekend I took them up on it big time. I had to bow out early from the last hour or so of the retreat. I was MIA for post retreat clean up and team camaraderie. I missed the eleventh-hour food prep and set-up at home. 

That weekend by default, I accepted the grace to relinquish my Martha tendencies, to simplify the hosting agenda, and to rely on the generosity of others to provide. I could not be all things to all people at the Watch retreat nor could I be the perfect hostess for that Thanksgiving meal. Other family members set the table and organized food in and out of the oven. What a treat to be welcomed back to my own kitchen, able to focus on our guests…feeling like a guest myself!

Rarely does one remember specific dishes served at a special gathering. Rather, we remember how we were made to feel at the time. Special. Loved. Happy. Relaxed. That is how I felt that November Sunday. 

Both Mary and Martha joyfully welcomed Jesus into their home. But in that familiar story, only Mary focused her whole self on enjoying Jesus’ company and listening to him. It takes planning and practice, but we too can choose the better part if we prioritize encountering Jesus in ourselves and others. May we accept the Martha role with the purity of Mary’s heart, serving the Lord as King of our lives, ever attentive to his Word.

Christ the King, keep my heart fixed on you as my hands are fixed on serving your people.

Thanksgiving blessings on you and your loved ones.

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