Thanksgiving Prep: For all the "Marthas" out there (and I don't mean Stewart)

When I say "Thanksgiving prep," I'm not necessarily talking about "the bird" (or the fish, or tofurkey for that matter), or the fixings, although this does apply to that, too. But if you're hosting, or helping host Thanksgiving this year, remember Martha from today's epistle, and don't get too stressed. You're serving your family, friends and loved ones, and the point of the holiday is to be together, not to have everything perfect. I'm not personally hosting Thanksgiving this year (ha! no way), but each time I read this epistle, I am reminded of my "Martha tendencies."

Sometimes Jesus seems to be "scolding" others ... or we read it thinking, "Whoa! Thomas/Martha/Peter just got burned!" But Jesus' words never condescended his friends, they only caused them to repent, rethink and redirect. His mercy endureth forever.

So, here is the epistle for today (or at least the first part pertaining to Mary and Martha) if you haven't read it already:


At that time, Jesus entered a village; and a woman called Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve you alone? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her."