Choosing What Is Better

Two of the busiest times for teachers are the beginning and end of the school year. With only a few days of school left, my “to-do” list is still pretty long. I’ve always been a list maker. It gives me a great sense of accomplishment to cross something off my list when I’m done. I’m also a big fan of Post-It notes and putting reminders in my phone. Those are my secrets to staying so organized. 
 
The other day, as I was adding more items to my “to-do” list and writing out reminders on Post-It notes, God reminded me of the story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42). 
 
Mary and Martha were 2 sisters, with 2 different personalities, but Jesus loved them both equally.
 
Martha focused on doing things for Jesus.
Mary focused on spending time with Jesus.
 
Martha spoke to Jesus.
Mary listened to Jesus.
 
Martha was filled with worry.
Mary was filled with peace.
 
Martha was focused on many things.
Mary was focused on one thing.
 
Martha focused on temporary things.
Mary focused on something (someone) eternal. 
 
The past few months, I have been Martha….busy at school, volunteering, going from one group or activity to the next, and spending time with friends. I love all of these things, and all of these things are good, but I haven't been spending as much time with God. He is the One who I need to spend time with the most. 
 
My natural tendency is to be like Martha, but I long to be more like Mary. It seems that many other people can relate too, otherwise author Joanna Weaver wouldn’t have written a book called Having a Mary Heart In a Martha World (which I recommend, and I obviously need to re-read).
 
Whether we are running around like Martha, or being still like Mary, God loves us the same. However, we can easily become so focused on doing things for God that it takes away from spending quality time with Him. When our “to-do” list doesn’t include time for the One who created us, then we know we need to refocus our priorities.
 
Mary, sitting still at Jesus’ feet, was choosing what was “better.” We will never regret time spent with Jesus. 

The good news is, even when we don’t choose what is “better,” we need to remember that God has chosen us. Maybe I need to write that on my next Post-It note.