Often times, we expect to have the house cleaned up perfectly. We expect the decorations to be thoroughly set and the food to be completely delicious to everyone. Yet, we get frustrated when these things don't get done to our expectations. We overlook the possibility that we set our standards too high for people. Why? We become down right disappointed, frustrated, or even angry when it doesn't turn out the way think it should.
I'm not saying that setting our standards high is a bad thing; on the contrary it is good. However, we cannot expect too much at all times.
Sometimes settling for good is better than settling for the best. It will help us appreciate the things that get done. We will appreciate the people around us that assist us in completing our task list. We give our peace away. This time of of the year is suppose to be about peace, not stress, not anger, and not over achieving.
Settle for what can be done, accept the things you can change, change the things you are able to, and ask for wisdom to know the difference. Sure, it is going to take time to set up the lights, cook the meals, and clean the house. However, do it with an attitude of gratitude. Don't expect everything to get done in one day. Remember? Rome wasn't built in one hour or one day.
So, feeling overwhelmed with your to do list? Take some time, step back, take a deep breathe and then set your priorities. As you get to the bottom of the list, make sure they are items that can wait until after the party, after the guest leave, or can wait for another month. Enjoy the celebration is about remembering what God through His Son has done for us.
Jesus was on earth for 33 years. He went to Martha's home to eat. She was so worried about getting her to do list done that she became resentful of Mary. Mary was sitting at Jesus' feet listening to everything he had to say. Martha expected Mary to get up and help her. When Mary didn't she got frustrated and said to Jesus. "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
Don't you get this way? You've asked your husband to help you fix something in the house and he says half hearing you "sure, in a moment." You've told the kids to clean their rooms and they respond, "Sure, mom, give me a moment." Then when they don't do it in your time, you get upset.
"Martha, Martha,," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:38-42).
Spend time this season reflecting, remembering, and enjoying what cannot be taken away, the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the reason you are hustling and bustling to get things done. That is why you have guest over. To enjoy the moment you have with one another. So, do what you need to do and leave everything else for another day.
~Be encouraged to stop and enjoy the things that cannot be taken away from you.
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