I came up with this great idea to give all my nieces and nephews, and some of my friends’ children, a Back to School Pool Party. I am a planner in every right; once an idea is conceived, I take it and I run with it. I work tirelessly making sure no detail is overlooked, taking care of all the logistics, and making sure every kink has been worked out. Any event with my name attached to it will scream, “Excellence!”
As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 NLT
This is a familiar passage of scripture, and every now and then I have to refer back to it. Maybe it’s because the things I once took for granted, I now cherish, like family and friends. In the scripture, Mary made the wise choice to sit at the feet of Jesus. Until recently, I have been guilty of assuming the role of Martha. There have even been times where I became so upset over the details that I made my guests feel extremely uncomfortable, instead of providing a warm and inviting atmosphere for them. Doing Too Much.
We all know someone (maybe it’s you) who spends days/weeks leading up to a major holiday, like Thanksgiving or Christmas, cooking, cleaning, decorating, etc. When the day finally arrives, they are either too tired to enjoy the festivities, or anxious and frustrated because they don’t want anyone to mess up their home or their beautiful decorations/displays. THAT’S WHY IT’S THERE, SO PEOPLE CAN ENJOY IT! Isn’t it? Or is it there to make you feel good about yourself, so people will compliment you on the great job you’ve done, and tell you how everything is so lovely? I’ll let you ponder that…
I have taken a step back from planning as many family events as I have in the past. I grew tired of missing out on spending time actually engaging with family and friends; all because I was busy making sure everything was “Just right.” I was Doing Too Much. Let’s not forget what is most important: Our loved ones, those we care about, precious time spent creating memories, and taking a trip back down memory lane (Every family does it). Most people will not remember the decor or the menu, but they will remember how they felt.
So, That Settles It. Let’s stop being so concerned with the details. Plan, decorate, and make everything nice, but don’t let it consume you. Instead, focus on what matters most. This weekend will be different from times past. I believe my family will be pleasantly surprised. I have a simple menu, I am not cooking anything (everything is being catered), no extravagant decorations; just good food, good times, and sweet fellowship. I am not worried about how amazing things look (none of that matters). I am looking forward to laughing, singing, telling stories, swimming, eating, and enjoying the company of everyone in attendance. My primary focus is my family and friends; not trying to make everything “Perfect.” I will not be found guilty of Doing Too Much. I suggest you do the same. Cherish what matters most. Your family is your first Ministry. Don’t ever lose sight of that.