In January, we are more mindful of our time as we come off a season of busyness.  It seems the chaos starts earlier each year.  The holiday season begins in October and lasts until the New Year.  As Mamas we want to make each and every moment magical for our children.  We want our homes to look perfect, we want our meals to be delicious and perfectly presented.  And all that leads to stress and worry.  It reminds me of the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10.

38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 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!”

41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[f] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

It is very easy for us to be like Martha.  If the Lord was coming in the flesh to my house, you better believe I would be cleaning like a crazy woman.  I would want Him to feel welcome and comfortable in my home.  It would be very easy to be distracted with the chores and preparation, like Martha.  

It’s hard to be like Mary.  Do I take the time to sit at His feet?  Do I make time in my day for Him?  In the busyness of the holiday season?  Or do I say, “After the New Year, I will get back on track with my Bible reading, with my prayer life, etc”.  Sadly I think that we all probably fall into this category.  I know I struggle BIG TIME!

So, how can we be more like Mary?

• Prayer

• Bible Study

• Reading

• Worship

• Music

• Podcasts

• Like minded friends

• Mindful scheduling

• Stop overcommitting

• Etc Etc Etc

I hope that I can be like Mary all year.  Not just as a resolution, but as lifelong surrender to Jesus!