If Mary and Martha lived today, Martha would be one of those women on a mission to have the “best Christmas ever”.  I imagine she would pour over the holiday issues of Martha Stewart Living, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and Southern Living in search of another delicious recipe or gorgeous decorating idea or the perfect last minute gift idea.  Her shopping will be complete long before Thanksgiving.  By December 1^st, her home will be decked out with multiple Christmas trees that coordinate with their surroundings and her Christmas cards (possibly handmade ones) will be in the mail.  A beautiful nativity set will occupy a place of honor on her fireplace mantle.  Multiple entertaining events will be scheduled and a project plan will be in place so that each event will be executed to perfection. 

Contrast Martha’s sister, Mary.  Mary will be studying a special Advent devotional book, beginning each day with prayer time.  She will play Mary, mother of Jesus, in the church Christmas pageant on Christmas Eve.  Her home is a little messy, but that is not a big deal to Mary.  The Christmas tree is decorated with a variety of ornaments her children have made over the years, each one holding a special memory of a past Christmas. 

I guess it does not come as a big surprise to anyone who knows me well that I am a dyed-in-the-wool “Martha”.  And I have shared on many occasions that I am working on being more like Martha’s sister, Mary.   But here is my challenge.   Does it have to be an either/or situation?  Can’t Mary and Martha coexist?  I certainly hope so because as much as I want to develop and nurture my “Mary”, I love my “Martha” and the pursuit of the “best Christmas ever”.  For me, the ultimate expression of “personal effectiveness” would be to manage the tasks like Martha while honoring the meaning of the season like Mary.  Is that possible?  Sure!  The very best of Martha is what opens up the time and energy to embrace Mary.  Go for it!  I am!

Take care, and as always, I would love your hear your thoughts and comments.