The special guest

By CHERYL CRUCE

For the most part, we all have one special guest we want to please, so we work to make everything perfect. It is not the guest who desires perfection, although the hostess insists that every nook be immaculate. For my family, it was my Aunt Ann and Uncle Jack. Their visit always involved a deep cleaning ritual as Mom prepared the house for their stay.
The extra chores included young and old alike. The knick-knacks (too many to count) were taken from their shelves to be hand washed in hot soapy water, then dried and replaced in their freshly dusted resting place. Furniture would be cleansed with Murphy’s Oil Soap while the cushions aired in the sunshine.
The kitchen and dining rooms were the last areas to be scrubbed. The pantry would be organized, along with the pots and pans. Eventually, the Currier and Ives dishes were placed in the sink and thoroughly cleaned for our evening meals. These dishes were reserved for special occasions, such as the arrival of Aunt Ann and Uncle Jack. Everything looked fresh and clean when all was complete, including the family pets.
I remember the excitement of seeing our aunt and uncle arrive for the week, although their visit meant extra work. Upon reflection, I now understand the reason behind the preparation. During those short visits, Mom had time to relax and enjoy her sister. Dad and Uncle Jack had time to fish and appreciate each other’s company.
It has been said that life is a great teacher. Cleaning houses and special guests are as old as the scriptures themselves. In the gospel, we read of two sisters who were good friends with the Lord. One day as Jesus stopped in for an unexpected visit. Martha immediately began to busy herself with the housework and preparing a meal. In contrast, Mary decided to sit down and spend precious time with Jesus. As Martha hastily worked, she confronted the decision of Mary. Jesus responded by saying that Mary had chosen the better. Mary was not distracted by the work but valued the time with her Lord (Luke 10:38-42).
It is so easy for us to get caught up with the things of this world and lose the “better of the moment.” The Psalmist wrote, “As the deer pants for streams of water, my soul longs for you.” (Psalm 42:1-2). Nothing can quench the thirst of one’s soul like the presence of God. Mary understood the need to be with Jesus; He would not take that time away from her. Jesus was Mary’s special guest.
Jesus is the special guest too. If we hear His voice and open the door, He will come inside and fellowship with us (Revelation 3:20). Jesus is no more concerned with the dust on the table than my aunt was concerned with the dust on Mom’s table. My aunt wanted precious time with her sister. Jesus yearns for precious time with us. He has begun a work within us that He desires to complete (Philippians 1:6).
Today, let the dust go; find “the better” in the presence of our Lord, allow Him to comfort you, and bring you into His salvation. Isn’t it time we open the door for our Lord? Our relationship with Jesus is not about being perfect but being perfected in His presence.
“Your cry came to me at a favorable time when the doors of welcome were wide open. I helped you on a day when salvation was being offered.” God is ready to welcome you. Today he is ready to save you 2 Corinthians 6:2 ESV.

Cheryl Mixon-Cruce is Pastor of Ochlockonee Bay United Methodist Church and Sopchoppy United Methodist Church.