Thanksgiving is a busy time. We make extra food for that special Thanksgiving dinner, so that means extra planning, shopping, and preparation. If you’re hosting the meal, then there’s getting the house ready for guests. At the same time, the leaves are finally down, so there’s yard work to do.
Then there are two more seasons happening right now. First, we are smack in the middle of deer season, with many hunters scheming to get in the woods during their time off. Second, we are on the doorstep of the Christmas season—with holiday decorating and holiday deals in sight.
Of course, we still have the usual busyness of work, school, church, and family. We are busy, busy, busy doing good things, but let us not be too busy for time with God.
In Luke 10, we read of Martha, a generous-hearted woman who welcomed Jesus into her home. She wanted to serve her guests (and especially the Lord), but she got a little too consumed with all the details.
While Jesus was teaching in her home, “Martha was distracted with much serving” (v. 40). I can hear the dishes rattling as Martha bustles about preparing a large meal.
While Martha was busy serving, her sister Mary was soaking in the truths Jesus taught. This irritated Martha, and she asks Jesus to dismiss Mary from Bible class so she can give her a hand.
But Martha is the one rebuked: “Martha, Martha,” Jesus says, “you are anxious and troubled about many things” (v. 41). I guess the meal could’ve waited and Martha could’ve taken a break to sit with Mary at the Savior’s feet. This is choosing “the good portion” (v. 42).
This Thanksgiving, let’s carve out time to be with Jesus. Let’s sit with the Savior before we serve.
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