I often think of things I wish I had done with my mom. (Trying not to cry as I write.) We had lots of plans – to do together. There wasn’t a plan for her not to be here.

In 2019, we were on a movie jag. My 79-year-old mother hadn’t been to the movies in decades, but Downtown Abbey came to the big screen. We bought our tickets in advance and saw it four times. We took selfies and giggled as we ate popcorn. Then Harriet came out. I’ve been a huge Harriet Tubman fan for years. We saw it twice. Little Women was next. Before all that, we went to the ARK Encounter with my sisters. Thanksgiving was delicious and Christmas was great. The year 2019 was the best!

Early in 2020, COVID was just beginning to sweep through the land. My mom had what she thought was a respiratory infection. To our dismay, she passed unexpectedly one Saturday morning. Knowing she went straight to heaven, we were still shocked, absolutely stunned. We realize now it was COVID.

While I have so many good memories, there are times when my heart aches at what I WISH we had done.

I thought we had so much more time.

Reading Kyle Idleman’s “When Your Way Isn’t Working,” he mentions Martha in Luke 10:38-42. Martha was hustling and bustling around the kitchen while her sister, Mary, sat at Jesus’ feet, listening and soaking up His presence and every word. She became so frustrated at her sister’s lack of help that she marched right up to Jesus and demanded that He straighten Mary out. Not sure if you’ve ever had your apron in a wad like Martha, but the frustration is real. Been there myself.

Kyle Idleman wrote that Martha just didn’t realize how short her time was with Jesus. Martha was a wonderful person, I’m sure. Full of welcome and hospitality. She was just so busy trying to make everything perfect that she put her perfect Guest on the back burner. She had no idea that too soon, her Friend and Savior, Jesus, would be crucified. Gone from this earth.

“Martha just didn’t realize how short her time was with Jesus.” Those words hurt.

As the holidays march boldly into our lives over the next few weeks, let’s redeem the time. Treasure those at our tables. Cherish the ones in our circles. That may mean asking for help, simplifying menus, combining events, cutting back on gift-giving, and/or unplugging. Make memories while we can! We are not promised a day (James 4:14).

Eat banana pudding, Mississippi Mud or Appalachian Mud (that’s what we call it.) Wear our stretchy pants and have a second helping. Whatever we do, let’s not miss the opportunities to focus on those we love and hold dear this holiday season.

Let’s also learn from Martha, making sure we focus on Jesus, the Guest of Honor.