Today Mark and I are hosting a BBQ for all the vendors of Tru You, the store where Raandi and I share a space to sell our treasures and creations.  All of them are artists.  Each thinking a little outside the box in their own special way.  Some a bit eccentric.  And every last one of them incredibly talented.

Which could make hosting a party feel like it carries a little more pressure.   Will they like what I’ve done with the house?  Will they look at the things I’ve done and think how they would have done them differently?  Better?

Strangely enough, I honestly don’t feel that way.  Maybe because they’re all so darn nice and supportive.  It might be because I’m hoping to distract them with all my baked treats.  But I really think it’s because I feel confident in the fact that when they walk through the front door they will feel comfortable, safe, at home.  They’ll enjoy getting to know each other better in an environment outside the walls of the store where they can fully relax and let their hair down.

Remember the story of Jesus’ friends, Mary and Martha?  He went to their house for a dinner party.  Martha was running around like a chicken with her head cut off trying to get all the details done and making sure that everything was “perfect”.  She got annoyed, and complained to Jesus, when her sister Mary wasn’t helping her.  Here was Mary, sitting with Jesus and the others, listening intently to His stories.  She was so focused on the personal relationship and connection and interaction that she was experiencing with Jesus that all the details of throwing a party seemed to fade into the background.  The dinner’s perfection was not her concern.  Her guest was her concern.  As Jesus’ put it (in response to Martha’s complaint) – “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.” (Luke 10:41-42)

Only “one thing” was really needed at that party, and Mary figured it out.  Relationship.  Focus on Jesus.  Focus on her guest.  All the details of food and cleaning and decor were nice, but not nearly as valuable as the Person for whom all this was being done.

As I head into this day getting ready for tonight, I need to remember this.  First of all to focus on Jesus.  To remember that He will always be the guess of honor in this house and the One who creates the love and warmth that this home has to offer.  As  people come and go through my front door today, my heart needs to be more on them than on what needs to be done.

This party will be a success if people’s hearts are heard, not if every detail is perfect.  The “one thing” trumps all the little things.  And I’m good with that…