Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

“Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:42 (ESV)
For many of us, this passage offers a jarring contrast. It pits the diligent service of Martha against the serene stillness of Mary. It’s a theme that resonates especially with those of us who embrace the hustle. Whether as devoted parents, active employees, or involved community members, our lives are often filled with a myriad of tasks demanding our attention. The question then arises: What do we choose when faced with the busy details of life? For Martha, it was worry and the incessant need to accomplish. For Mary, it was worship and the choice to be present with Jesus.
Can you relate? I often find myself in Martha’s shoes, wanting to be a Mary but struggling to hit pause in a world that expects perpetual motion. As I’ve matured—if that’s a kind way to phrase simply getting older—I’ve grasped the significance of sitting at my Savior’s feet. The hunger for that sacred time grows within me more each day, echoing the sentiments of the weary soul searching for rest.

The Dilemma of the Busy Doer

Martha welcomed Jesus into her home, and like many of us, she felt the weight of hospitality. Yet, amid her noble intentions—serving and providing—a rising tide of anxiety began to swirl around her. As the dust began to collect in the corners of her busy mind, it became clear that her focus had shifted. Instead of soaking in the presence of the One she adored, she became consumed by the task list.
How many times have we found ourselves in similar situations? We glance at the overflowing to-do list, the constantly bleeping notifications on our devices, and the demands of our family and friends. It can be overwhelming.
With each passing day as I attempted to juggle responsibilities—raising children, caring for my home and husband, and squeezing in a workout—the diminishing of my time with God became glaringly evident. My hats off to working moms who balance everything; even with the privilege of staying home, I too have felt the struggle of maintaining that vital relationship with God in the whirlwind of life.
This busyness and focus on doing can take a toll on our connection with our heavenly Father. Like Martha, I found myself living life in a daze of productivity, where everything felt urgent and essential, but my spiritual needs were being overshadowed.

Choosing Worship Over Worry

The heart of Jesus’ message to Martha was not one of condemnation but a gentle reminder of our deeper need—the need for His presence. In times of chaos, He invites us not to neglect our responsibilities but emphasizes the importance of spiritual sustenance. Our good deeds, however necessary, should come second to our time spent in His presence.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28 (ESV)
This invitation encourages us to find moments of stillness, amidst our chaotic schedules, reminding us that rest is essential. The anxious worries that often fill our minds can drown out the voice of God unless we deliberately carve out time to listen.
Each morning, I get up and go into my study room and just sit with Jesus for a few minutes, coffee in hand. This ritual sets my focus, calms my heart, and allows me to surrender my day to Him. In these moments, I recognize that I am not alone, and many times throughout the day, I pause and return to that figurative place at His feet—not necessarily in a literal sense. I simply stop to regroup in moments of crisis or when my attention starts to wander. This practice helps me rediscover His voice amidst the chaos, allowing me to regain perspective as I go through my day.
So, are you a Mary or a Martha, or maybe like me, a combination of both? You might desire to be that Mary—longing to sit at His feet—while navigating the worries that often intrude into your thoughts. Today, I challenge you to take a conscious step against the busyness. Even if it’s just for ten minutes, put on a worship song and soak in that stillness. Sit at your Father’s feet, listen, be still, and hear what He has to say to you.

The Power of Prioritization

Consider your daily routine. What do you prioritize? Are intimate moments with God relegated to the sidelines of an already busy life? Holding the delicate balance of responsibilities while nurturing your faith can seem daunting, yet it is critical. Just as we would communicate with a partner to understand their needs, our relationship with God flourishes when we make time to listen.
As the day unfolds, I often return to that quiet space in my mind where I can commune with God. It doesn’t mean I am free from distractions capable of pulling me back into Martha’s worry. Rather, it equips me to handle the tasks that lie ahead with a serenity that comes only from being nourished by His presence.

The Example of Mary

Mary’s choice reminds us there will always be competing voices vying for our attention. When Jesus visited, she chose to sit at His feet in eager anticipation, soaking in His words and wisdom—an act of worship that we often overlook in our busy lives. This posture of surrender resonates with Proverbs 3:5-6:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (ESV)
Mary’s example urges us to lean not on the chaos of our understandings but on the peace that comes from embracing worship, allowing the noise to fade into the background. It’s a choice, a conscious decision that will yield lasting rewards.

The Transformative Impact

When we dedicate ourselves to “sitting at the feet of Jesus,” we are met with connection and insight. Our worries, challenges, and life’s complexities gain a new perspective in the light of His love. It’s as if our spirits are refreshed, ready to navigate the pressures of life with renewed purpose. Moreover, the impact this choice carries allows us to embody the blessings of a Christ-centered life when we return to our day-to-day tasks.
The busyness that often clouds our minds becomes less burdensome when we prioritize time with Jesus. As Psalm 46:10 states, “Be still, and know that I am God.” This stillness allows His presence to shine through the shadows we face.

Application in Daily Life

So how do we bring this concept to life amid our daily demands? It requires intentionality. Here’s how to cultivate a lifestyle of worship amidst our busy schedules:

1. Establish a Routine: Carve out intentional time daily to be in the Word and pray. The early hours or a specific time each day can become sacred; you can look forward to it as a time of refreshment.
2. Document Your Thoughts: Journaling can help clarify your thoughts and feelings as you spend time with God. Writing down prayer requests and reflections aids in focusing your mind and heart upon Him.
3. Create Physical Spaces for Reflection: Designate a specific spot in your home as a “prayer corner.” Surround it with items that inspire peace—Scripture, candles, or photographs that draw your heart toward Jesus.
4. Incorporate Worship: Listening to worship music, meditating on Scripture, or even utilizing dedicated apps for devotional content can help reinstate your heart posture throughout the day.
5. Practice Gratitude: Regularly acknowledge God’s goodness in your life. Simple gratitude practices can shift your perspective from worry to worship.
6. Seek Accountability: Share your desire for more intentional time with God with a friend or family member. Having someone to walk alongside you nurtures encouragement and accountability.

Conclusion: Embracing the Good Portion

As we reflect upon Martha and Mary’s encounter with Jesus, we are invited to assess our own choices. Mary chose to prioritize her relationship with Jesus—a perspective that will remain unchanging. In our quest to balance life’s responsibilities, we might find ourselves echoing Martha’s sentiments; however, we can learn to reorient our focus.
Embrace the truth that sitting at His feet is not about neglecting our duties but about aligning ourselves with the heart of God. Through this alignment, we position ourselves to receive direction, refreshment, and purpose that will enrich both our spiritual and everyday lives.
As you move forward, choose to embrace true worship over worry. Make the conscious choice to prioritize those moments with Jesus because, ultimately, those moments are the very essence of life. Too much of the world and its to-do lists can fade away, but the good portion—time spent with Him—will endure eternally. May we all learn to be like Mary amidst a world bustling with tasks, choosing the company of Christ above all.