There’s no possible way to start this after Christmas post without telling you this important fact. I’m in love with a man who wears a tunic. No, not a dress ladies…a tunic!
For those who weren’t able to attend our Christmas Eve services, here’s the Finkster, in our church’s live nativity, as a Wise Man.
I guess you can say that this Jersey girl has a thing for wise guys…well, just one. He followed the star from West Virginia in a fire engine red tunic (way to go on the details Sarah!). It’s apparent that this holiday season, besides having a thing for The Finkster in a dress, um…I mean tunic; I also have a thing for lamenting, or getting “too bent” over the details of holiday entertaining. But this year, God slapped with with the reality stick…also called truth.
Here’s the truth.
People are not coming to my house for my cooking. Friends know that Martha Stewart does not, has not and will never live here. No one entered into our home looking for my signature “dish” or longing for my souffle a-la-something, cause there’s no souffle. It’s just us.
And I used to hate that about me. That I’m not crafty, nor a gourmet cook…
I’m no longer going to beat myself up for what I’m not!
Sure, I want to make a nice meal and provide a relatively clean home. But I care more about the laughs, the relationships, the connecting and the memories. And this past week, we’ve had some very special guests. Nancy, my friend/accountability/prayer partner came all the way from Florida, (in her very sexy mini van)…
driven by Pedro, or “Captain Red Bull”…
with their FOUR boys. Yes, Nancy’s WAY outnumbered! 
(The Suriel and Fink boys in a “group hug”! So much cute-ness for one pic!)
I love them all, SO much. I know they came to town because they love us and not for my cooking. So I decided I’m going to be more Mary, than Martha (and, I’m not talking about Martha Stewart!).
“Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her”.
Luke 10:38-42
I decided to do a make-your-own-taco/burrito bar with a fruit tray and that way, the kids could make what they liked. Nancy’s a ground turkey gal too – so her guys didn’t go into beef-deprivation-shock!
Then last night, we had some friends over for dinner and game night. I made a ziti, salad and fruit tray. Sure, the food wasn’t gourmet but the fellowship and laughs sure were! I’m sad to report that the three firefighters – Dave, Dennis and Tom beat the three ladies Jo, Les and moi…in a WORD GAME no less! (I thought Taboo would be a ringer for female victory!)
But it was as I set the table last night, in preparation for the fun, that God spoke such a tender little message…and I wanted to share it with you.
One small gesture that I like to do when I entertain is put out fun, festive or other-than-white-napkins. It’s not much, just one small gesture, that shows a small amount of honor to our guests…
Last night I chose a simple red. It’s just one small gesture that I wasn’t “too bent” over elaborate preparations.
Know what else? In my private times this week, even at church this Sunday, God’s been dealing with me on some stuff. He’s doing a new thing inside me and has asked me “to get bent” – to kneel before Him as I pray and lift some heavy cares, concerns and even more importantly control. (GASP!) 
Kneeling, like the napkin, is just one small gesture…that shows honor. I don’t want to get too bent, but live a life on two bent…that’s the Mary vs. Martha in a nutshell.
Will you let go of being “too bent” and get down on “two bent”?
