Martha was a hostess with ‘the mostest’!  She welcomed Jesus into her home.  And Martha had a sister, Mary.  “Watch” what happens when Jesus is welcomed in this home.
(NASB) Luke 10:38-40 “Now as they were traveling along, He (Jesus) entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home.
39 She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word.
40 But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, ‘Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone?  Then tell her to help me.’”

Martha, poor distracted Martha.  Imagine with me how she was muttering (quietly but out loud) in the kitchen.  Perhaps the pots and pans were used as a means to vent her frustration and that not so quietly.  And her ire grew…where was Mary?  She needed help and she needed help…now.  How dare Mary to not know she was causing distress and anxiety to her sister, who by the way was working her fingers to the bone!  Finally Martha could not, just could not take anymore.  She marched into the room where Jesus was and (sputter!) there sat Mary at His feet!

Now Martha did not speak to Mary, probably did not even look at her, and held Jesus responsible!
To loosely paraphrase Martha’s little speech, ‘I can’t get her attention Lord, You tell her to come help me!’

How do you react as a host/hostess when things do not go as planned?
What do you need to do differently in order to “keep a lid” on your distraught emotions as you work to be the ultimate host/hostess?

Do you begin your day sitting at the feet of Jesus?  Do you take time to be alone with Him?  Using your Bible, reading it thoughtfully, prayerfully and asking Him to help you to put into practice what He teaches you in those moments?  It will make a difference.

Aren’t we to put the Lord God Almighty first then following up with recognizing the needs of others with whom we have welcomed?
Aren’t we to put our own wants, desires, plans way down on our list?

A genuine host/hostess is prepared for guests but is also prepared to spend time with the people who have been welcomed into the home.
Each guest will have different needs.  Being the host/hostess with ‘the mostest’ is to be aware of the individuality of their guests.

Guests are to be welcomed and made to feel comfortable.  The host/hostess is not responsible as to how the guests receive their hospitality!
So…have you ever been like Martha?  I have…and it is most uncomfortable…for me and the guests.

Have you ever been like Martha, welcoming your guests, then becoming distracted?

Do you give more of yourself to your chores than to the presence of the Lord?