We are told not to overdo, but when few step forward to help, it can quickly give us a bad attitude. Diane explains.
During this wonderful time that we celebrate the joy of the birth of our Savior there are often activities with our family and friends to enjoy. As I was reading this scripture something occurred to me. Anytime Jesus went anywhere, it was not a small gathering.
Nope! There were twelve additional men tagging along, not to mention all the other followers wanting just to listen and be near Him. Not that I’d blame them–I think I’d be right there alongside them, clamoring for a spot at His feet, just as Martha’s sister Mary did.
Which brings me to my point: Martha, who eagerly opened her home to Jesus and all His entourage, started with a right attitude. She gave loving serving, (vs. 38) but soon, due to the stress and preparations, she was overwhelmed (vs. 40).
Then Jesus lovingly corrects her, teaching her that her heart and attitude needs an adjustment (vs.41). Being chronically ill, I can empathize with Martha’s feelings.
I begin with the best of intentions and a good attitude, when hosting a family gathering, babysitting, or when attending an event. Soon, however, due to the stress, fatigue, or pain, I find that attitude changing–just as Martha’s did.
What to do?
I’m slowly learning, through trial and error, to “commit with a clause”–dependent on my health. The biggest thing Jesus is teaching me is, that when I find that my attitude faltering, I can feel the Holy Spirit nudge me. And then I apologize to the one I may have offended. I explain my mistake in overestimating my abilities, and ask for forgiveness. I let them know it was them who caused the frustration, but myself.
During this time of increased activities, let us ask the Lord for wisdom and discernment. It is best to allow Jesus’ love to shine!
Prayer: Dear Father, Thank You for the many opportunities You give us to open our hearts , and even our homes, to share Your love with others. I pray, Lord–for us all–that we would seek Your wisdom beforehand, learning not to overextend, but also that we would be obedient of what You ask of us. Let us remember that whatever we do is to be done in love, and to be as if serving You, just as Martha and Mary did. Be with us, Lord. Speak to our hearts with Your Holy Spirit. Let us truly shine brightly for You, not just during this season, but always. Amen.
About the author:
Diane Kalata, lives in Central Florida, she is blessed to have a wonderful husband, who is also her caregiver in illness, three grown children, and 3 grandchildren! She is a cancer survivor, but continues to deal with chronic digestive and neuropathic issues. She loves art and writing. Her desire is to continually be an encouragement to others; looking daily for those “God opportunities” to share His love and truth with others.
When you feel your joy in serving waning and your stress starting to influence your thoughts and words, how do you turn it back around?
This is “Give This Christmas Away” with Matthew West with Amy Grant, featuring Operation Christmas Child. Instead of clinging to our list–trying to have the perfect meals and snacks, have the right decorations, have the carpets cleaned and the right outfit–just give Christmas away. Let it be about who is being blessed by you. And I know . . . when I am yelling “I need some help here! We’re not going to make it!” I may be carrying on my mom’s tradition, but no one is being blessed! I will try. How about you? -Lisa
Thanks for the comments on Holiday Expectations. I’m trying to go into the season with NO expectations. Someone asked me what I was doing for the Holidays and I said, “As little as possible.” I’m doing a lot of the gift giving with gift cards. I only volunteer to help out where there are going to be lots of other volunteers, that way if I’m having a bad day and can not help out my presence will not be missed. I’m going to try and go to the “Holiday Band Performance” at my neighborhood school. I can walk there, no parking no organizing rides to deal with. I looking forward to seeing the neighborhood kids.
On the other hand, my 10 year old grandson is always a big help to me when he visits. Seeing the world thru the eyes of a 10 year can be a blessing. They do not complicate things, tells me the truth with simplicity. I you are having a down day, make that phone call to someone you’ve missed hearing from.
Pat, sounds like you gave an excellent plan for the holidays. I m so glad you have opportunities to be a part of community, What a joy that you can walk to the concert! And I’m right there with you on the grandchildren! They truly look at the world though simple and honest eyes. Always aware and rejoicing in the simple pleasures they see!
May God grant you a time of true peace. I love your idea also, those calls to others are so important! It just may be the exact moment in time they needed to know God and you care and love them. Thanks for sharing!
Blessings, Di
Excellent, timely & wise message for us all, Di! ๐
I confess to not wanting to attend either of our family celebrations this Christmas due to the effort it takes to get there, how sick I feel when there & the extreme exhaustion afterwards. I’ve decided that I will be present there, as able, which means that I’ll care for my body by taking some time out to rest away from family in a quiet room during part of the event, so that I can enjoy it more when I’m with them all. I guess we all need to do whatever is best, so that we can be gracious givers this Christmas. God bless. LOTSoluv Kerryn
Kerryn, what an excellent plan of action!
I know with all that’s been going on with the busyness of y’alls life here of late, Christmas activities and family activites must be xtra hard this year. I will surely be praying that you can spend some quality time with family and get rest that is so needed. Sending love and gentle hugs to you sweet friend!! Di
Thanks dear Di! ๐ Lotsoluv Kerryn
I like the idea of “commit with a clause” Di – even sounds Christmassy!
“Let us truly shine brightly for You, not just during this season, but always” – beautiful prayer and great reminder for us all.
Thanks dear friend ๐
Fiona
Fiona, so glad you enjoyed it. Have to admit the “clause” came from a Christmas movie! Lol
Praying blessings for you my dear friend. Hugs di
Oh Diane, I’ve been thinking about expectations for Christmas a lot. It’s a struggle every year.
I do different things when I find the stress getting to me. Sometimes it’s just a matter of realizing it’s there. I may ask for help, or stop for a break, spend time in the Word and/or prayer. Other times I ask myself, “Is it really necessary to do this (or do it today)?”
Thank you for your wise words. Blessings to you as you serve or rest with joy for the Lord.
Pat and Kerryn, I sure appreciate hearing from you too. What your comments tell me is that each of us does have a choice. We don’t have to be slaves to a Norman Rockwell Christmas, all our traditions, the expectations of others or of ourselves. Yay!
Beth, you are so right, traditions are wonderful, however they can be “modified ” to better suit our needs and the needs of our families.
Praying as you and your family celebrate our Lord, that the best tradition is the Love of our Lord!
Blessings, di
Beth, it must be especially hard for you with the expectations of being a “pastor’s wife!” May God carry you through with wisdom that makes Christmas special for everyone else AND you! God bless. Lotsoluv KErryn
Diane – such good reminders for each of us for the holidays ARE here and they always will be “just around the corner”.
It is as if we must treat them as cautiously as any other day but so many expectations (ours and others) can flare up.
Fortunately, my family does very little but I can be busy with wanting to do gifts and cards and it takes energy to get to them.
Eventually I do best if I do not put any time pressure on myself for these two “things” and I do have the luxury of setting my own pace with living alone.
That said, stress still piles up so taking time out to be a “Mary” and know it is okay – just as Kerryn said she will do at the events she plans on attending sonds like the best of plans.
Great devotional for now – for anytime of the year, as well.
Love, Lynn
THANK YOU LISA. I RECEIVE YOUR EMAIL FOR THIS DAY. SORRY!
THE SAME HERE! SOME PEOPLE HERE DISAPPOINTED ? ME.
BUT GOD HE TEACH ME HOW TO BE MATURE AND TRY TO
UNDERSTAND. HAPPY NEW YEAR…
THANKS TO YOU DIANE.
HAPPY NEW YEAR…