The Good Hostess | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: The Good Hostess | Previous Challenge Entry
By Ryan Reach
01/09/07
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The scent of lemon, cinnamon, and fresh baked bread invaded her senses. Normally, this would be pleasant and calming smell to her. Today, however, Martha is too busy to enjoy the smells. With the oven light on, she could see a golden loaf begin to peak over the gray metal of the pan. Her cinnamon bread was almost done. That seemed to be the only thing happening as planned. Shaking her head, she looks at the dishes piled high in the sink, the floor covered with flour, and the counter full of supplies for making soup. “What a mess! Where is Mary when I need her?” Counting on her fingers, “The soup needs to be started, the floor needs to be cleaned, and the dishes need to be done. At least the cinnamon bread’s in the oven and the drinks are on the tray…oh yeah, I have to garnish the drink glasses.” As Martha opens the refrigerator she hesitates enjoying the cool air. She pulls out a lime and grabs a knife. Holding the lime with her left hand she begins to slice. The knife smacks against the cutting board with the use of too much force. “Where is Mary?” Another smack of the knife, “I can’t believe she is letting me do all of this work!” Smack! “She better be doing something useful!” Smack! Smack! “The soup isn’t even started yet!” Smack! She takes three lime slices and slides them onto the edge of the glasses and tosses the rest into the pitcher. The green of the lime stands out against the pale yellow of the lemonade. Martha rearranges the crystal pitcher and matching glasses on the sterling silver drink tray one more time. “Perfect.” The ice cubes chime against the glass as she picks up the tray to serve her guest. She feels the cool of the wood on her back as she backs up to the kitchen door. Closing her eyes she takes a deep breath. As she exhales Martha backs through the door and turns around as the tray clears the doorway. “Would you like a…” Stopping mid-sentence Martha sees her sister, Mary, sitting on the floor at His feet! She could feel her ears getting hot. She knew that they were turning red. They always turned red when she got angry. “Master, don't you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand." (1)

"Martha, dear Martha, you're fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it's the main course, and won't be taken from her." (2)

Martha looks at the floor as she feels her face start to flush. Scolded like a small child, Martha sets the tray down and joins her sister at Jesus’ feet.

1. Luke 10:40b (The Message)
2. Luke 10:41-42 (The Message)

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