The Better Choice

 

Well, it's December and what a busy time it can be. It is difficult for me in a normal month to slow down, much less this time of year. I'm one of those people who always has to be doing something. I see a picture of myself in the familiar story of Martha and Mary found in the book of Luke. Luke 10: 38-42 "As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 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!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “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.” It was probably Martha's idea to have Jesus over.  I bet she began cleaning her house weeks before, spent hours decorating for His visit, went to the store and spent too much money buying things in preparation for His coming, worked in the kitchen late in the evening and even when He was in her presence, she continued her business.  How many times are we like Martha?  Running through this life and failing to choose what is best - to be like Mary at the feet of Jesus.  In the words of Sarah Young, author of Jesus Calling, "The practice of being still in My Presence is almost a lost art, yet it is this very stillness that enables you to experience My eternal love.  You need the certainty of My loving Presence in order to weather the storms of life."  Lamentations 3:22-26.  "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.   I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."
Christmas is a time of year many reflect on Jesus' birth.  We throw Him a holiday party, get caught up in the preparation, yet fail to celebrate HIM.  Let's not be like Martha this year.  She was excited to have Him in her home, yet her focus was on the events of this special time - devoting efforts, thoughts and her heart to preparing, serving & organizing everything to its perfection.  Let us instead mirror the heart of Mary, who was excited about the event, but her excitement was centered around the opportunity to sit at His feet and hear His words.  Both women loved Jesus - however, one was blessed by His company, the other hungered for His Presence.