Are you the one busy taking care of everything and everybody? Do you enjoy creating an environment where people feel welcome and at home? Do you find yourself being proactive? Are you frustrated when people don’t help or recognize all the work you did? Fortunately, people have different giftings and everyone isn’t the same. Although you’re amazing and your abilities impeccable, it’s important to remember that everyone isn’t you.
The Story: Luke 10:38-42
In Luke 10:38-42, Jesus went to the home of Mary and Martha. After Jesus sat down, Mary sat at His feet and listened to everything He spoke. Martha, on the other hand, busied herself with creating a hospitable environment. She didn’t appreciate the lack of participation from Mary. As a result, she asked Jesus to tell Mary to help and do her part. However, Jesus didn’t agree with Martha’s assessment of the situation. He replied that too many things overwhelmed Martha and only one thing is important. He continued that Mary chose what’s important to her and it wouldn’t be taken from her.
The Lesson
One could easily say, “Martha, mind your own business.” However, we would limit ourselves to one aspect of the matter. Another aspect refers to expectations. Martha expected Mary to assist her with the responsibilities associated with having a guest in one’s home. Although the two may have had a plan or routine when guests arrived, alterations can occur but expectations are unwavering. Martha’s expectations kept her in a place of anxiety and worry rather than enjoying her guests.
Where have our expectations left us? We make decisions for ourselves while creating expectations for other people. Yet, we fail to realize that we don’t live in a robot society. Not everyone is the same. What’s important to you may not possess the same importance for me. Camaraderie occurs when we accept these differences. When we refuse, one of us lives a frustrated life as you fail to grasp that everyone isn’t you.
Now, you have to make a choice. Will you continue to fret over the different actions of others or handle your part free of worry and anxiety? Will you harp on your own expectations or reason together to find common ground? Accepting that everyone isn’t you enables the exploration of other possibilities and choices.
