Remember when the airlines didn’t charge fees for extra baggage? I remember packing everything I could possibly need, and more! I also recall lugging my heavy suitcase through the airport and not using half of the stuff I’d packed. The extra baggage fees have made me reconsider what is really needed for each trip. Before leaving, I always plan each day’s attire and shoes and pack carefully. On short trips, I forgo the baggage check and just take a carry-on. This has made everything much simpler and enjoyable. It’s freed me to find more joy in my travels!
My family and I recently had a garage sale and got rid of some stuff. The question I asked was, “Does this bring me joy?” If not, it went in the garage sale pile. My home is less cluttered, and it’s made cleaning easier, too.
During Advent, it’s easy to put lots of things on our calendar, much like loading a large suitcase or filling our home with things. We can say “yes” to every party invitation, try to volunteer for every worthy cause, and even try to cram good family activities into every week. While these things can be blessings, they can also become burdensome, just like overpacking for a trip or overloading a home.
Jesus taught this lesson that is shared in Luke 10:38-42: As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he
said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
During the holidays, we can easily get frazzled; the shopping, decorating, and other activities can be overwhelming. Jesus clearly said, “…few things are needed – indeed only one.” This Advent season, do you need to do some purging? Do you need to say “no” to some invitations? Do you need to do less decorating and shopping? Does your load need to be lightened? What can you do to authentically experience “Joy to the world?”
Holy God, free us to joyfully celebrate the “one good thing,” the birth of our Savior! – Amen.
Susan Easttom, Director of Family Ministries
