What is usually one of your first reactions to finding out someone is coming for a visit? You think of all the things you need to do to be ready for them!
You put things away, clean every square inch (even places they won’t see or even go), and spend time buying food and running errands to make sure their visit is a success.
Even when everything is ready and all the scrambling around is done, if you’re anything like me you’re still tidying up, making meals, and cleaning up after people.
This was exactly how Martha was when Jesus came to visit her and Mary. Mary sat at His feet the whole time and listened to Him, happy to be in His presence, and Martha walked around the house keeping busy with the things that “needed” to be done.
Because she was busy running around and trying to make sure Jesus had everything He needed while He was visiting, she was upset at Mary who just sat at His feet and did nothing.
Mary though had it right. When His presence is present it’s best to focus on Him instead of what you should be doing for Him.
Company will come and go, but just spending time them means more than anything you could ever do for them.
Think presence over presents. Are you more like Mary, satisfied to just be in the moment with people, or Martha, trying to keep busy?
