38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42
We do live in a world that promotes busyness. We craft life so that our schedules are so tight we are unable to stop and simply rest. One of the major conversations educators have today is “how much is too much?” Kids are involved in so many activities; when do we let kids simply play? We have created a view that every minute filled with something validates our worth. Then, we as adults carry on the same attitude so scheduling becomes a major issue to meet with someone.
Mary and Martha love Jesus. They lived outside of Jerusalem in Bethany, a short 2 mile walk away from the city. Jesus lived north in Galilee, some 60 miles away. They didn’t often see him. His arrival at their home was one of great excitement. Each of them made a choice. Martha went about the business of hosting. We’re told Martha “was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.” She made a choice. Mary sat at Jesus’ feet listening to what he had to say. She made a choice.
One thing I have come to appreciate is the gift of time. When schedules are intense, giving of time becomes a high value. Yes, meals did have to be prepared. We do have to host but we make choices. Mary looked at the situation and simply understood she wanted time with Jesus. When Martha complained, Jesus was clear in verse 42 that only one thing is needful: time with him.
Are you a Mary or a Martha? Do you control your time or let others control your time? Ultimately, how do you give time to your relationship with Christ?
Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for living in our time so we might know you. Move us to give time so we might know you in a better way. In Jesus’ name. Amen
