Preparation: less about doing and more about being still

Yesterday we were driving to visit some friends and I started asking Matt about his sermon for Sunday.  This week the focus is on preparation.  As we talked, God brought many ways that we as a family have prepared for events and such.  
Last night, I woke up around 3 am and was unable to go back to sleep.  I have learned that in times like these it is best if I talk with the Lord because usually there is something that he is wanting to tell me.  You see, with two little ones and a life all around, sometimes the middle of the night is the only quiet time that is truly quiet.  

What came to my heart was "Preparation is less about doing and more able being still."  It seems that this time of year our culture is buzzing with preparations.  Our house gets excited each year to start our Advent activities, Truth in Tinsle, by Oh Amanda. We buy a tree and decorate it.  We pack up our Fall decorations and unpack the Christmas ones.  We start to make delicious snacks to take to parties or to give to friends and family.  Many of us go out and buy gifts.  We make preparations for how we will spend our holiday and the list goes on.  In addition, I have been driving through town seeing homes decorated with beautiful lights and regularly...ok, maybe more then regularly asking Matt when he will put our lights on the house.  A house with lights IS how we prepare for Christmas right?!  
Yet, last night God was telling me that it's not about the "doing", it's about being still.  In the story of Mary and Martha it reads:

38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 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!”

41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things,42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42

I sound just like Martha.  I am in the kitchen cooking and preparing for the season, and fussing over Christmas lights on the house when God is asking me to sit down and be with him; open my home and listen.  It's ok for me to take time to color and meditate on the word of God.  It's ok to journal and listen to music.  It is ok for me to take time to read and enjoy.  

It is good for me to be still. 

 We can do this with each other as well.  There are people around me who are hurting.  While the holiday season unfolds their hearts are deeply grieved.  Then, there are those around me who are experiencing great things in their lives and need someone to celebrate with.  So, again I can open my home and listen.  I don't have to have many things prepared to serve.  I can give a great give of my full attention; my presence.  In this, being a reflection of Jesus and his presence.