Life sometimes feels like a circus act, the one where the high wire artist is juggling a bunch of balls while walking across a narrow cable. One slip, one errant catch, and everything comes tumbling down. Sounds like too many of my days.
In a world where free time is a precious commodity, where so many things are clamoring for our attention, and there are so many things to do, it is sometimes hard to know where to start. That’s where the story in Luke 10 can make such a difference.
Luke tells us Jesus was visiting the home of Marth and Mary, two of his faithful followers. Martha was busy being responsible, making sure the meal was prepared and everyone was having their needs met. Meanwhile, her sister Mary was leaving Martha to do all the work, while she “sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.” (Luke 10:39 NIV).
Finally Martha couldn’t take it anymore and she went to Jesus and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” (v. 40).
Jesus’ reply was unexpected. He said, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (vs. 41-42).
In this life there is only one thing that really matters – spending time with Jesus. Get that right and everything else will fall into place. Today, before you start juggling responsibilities or balancing your to-do list, begin your day the right way – sitting at the feet of Jesus.