But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. – Luke 10:42
As I was bustling around the church trying to get things done, I wondered how I would accomplish everything. I was tired and feeling a little cranky. There was so much to be done. There were props to set up, decorations to hang, people to talk to. Ah yes, I needed to talk to a particular person—now, where was she? I searched the narthex, the back hall—she was nowhere to be found. Oh, maybe she was talking with someone at the back of the sanctuary; I’ll just take a peek in there. Oops—she was still praying at the altar. I wondered how long she would be there. Did it seem like she was really praying, or just sitting there? Should I interrupt? As she got up from the altar, her face was glowing from having been in the presence of the Lord. Then, the light dawned! I should be down at the altar praying. I needed to quit running around so much, and spend time with Jesus.
It is in my nature to run this way and that way, because this needs to be accomplished, and that needs to get done. If I am not careful, I can be running from morning until night. With all that running, it is easy to put off spending time with God.
Just prior to our focus verse, Jesus had been visiting with Mary, Martha, and their brother Lazarus. Mary, sensing the importance of having Jesus in their home, chose to sit at His feet rather than busy herself with the preparations. She probably had that same glow I saw on my friend’s face. Martha, on the other hand, was not only worried about getting the job done, but was also concerned about why Mary wasn’t helping her. Her face might have been glowing too, but probably from sweat!
As I think about these two women, my heart longs to push aside my Martha personality and find some Mary inside of me. Yes, there are times when things need to get done, but they can be done after spending time with the Lord. This must become my first priority. Recently, when talking with a friend, I was trying to defend Martha’s actions a little, so I said, “Sometimes, things just have to get done.” His reply really stuck with me: “Jesus fed a crowd of 5,000 and Martha wasn’t even there!”
Lord, help me to slow down and find that special place where we can talk together. I want my life to glow with an inner beauty that only comes from spending time with You.