Martha, Martha…

O, Martha, Martha, where is your Mary heart?  O, Martha, Martha, would you seek to have a Mary heart?  My husband has whispered to me at different times in different seasons.

I reflect on years gone by and all the many Christmases through the years.  And quickly my mind is brought to the thought that it’s all going to be an avalanche of emotion for any number of us… all the Christmas wouldda, couldda, shouldda’s will bury us in anxiousness, disappointment, frustration, regret and, if we’re not careful, resentment — unless we determine to be rested in the fact that only one thing is needed.  Simple acknowledgement will not prevent the fretting and fussing.  Even a decision to keep things simple (famous last words) will not prevent the longing to make things special at. any. expense.  All the previous year’s decisions to not get caught up in the frenzy of shopping, decorating — all the getting and doing — will be forgotten unless we intentionally, gracefully carry ourselves through this Christmas season.

But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.  And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:  But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”  Luke 10.40-42

Martha, Martha…would you have a Mary heart?