Choose What is Better
By Brita Crouse
“‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord
answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is
needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from
her.’”
Luke 10:41-42 (NIV)
When my
parents celebrated their 25th Anniversary, as a present, I wanted to
appropriately celebrate with a surprise party. I spent weeks planning out
details and delegating tasks to my very helpful family and friends. The day of
the party was spent setting up tables and place settings, making and putting
out food, decorating, checking sound equipment and the projection screen, and
making sure everyone was in the right place at the right time. In the end, my
parents were surprised and enjoyed celebrating this momentous occasion with
people they loved.
As for
me, I enjoyed the organizing and planning that this kind of event required.
But, I spent much of the party keeping the music playing or refilling food or
getting the slideshow started or making sure everyone was well-fed and having a
good time. In focusing so much on these details, I found myself losing sight of
what the celebration was about. I had to keep reminding myself to just sit down
and enjoy the people around me.
It’s
important to note that an organized nature is not inherently bad; it’s part of
how God made some of us. It’s when this love of planning and organization grows
greater than our love for God and for people that this passion becomes a
problem.
In many
ways I find myself relating to Martha, Mary’s sister. When Jesus comes to
visit, to teach and eat, Martha gets caught up in the preparations, while Mary
spends her time intently listening to Jesus. Martha sees Mary as being lazy
because she is not helping hostess. I’m sure Mary saw Martha as being too
tightly wound and wished she would just relax and listen to what Jesus had to
say.
I am
always “that person” who has to clean up or have everything in order before I
can enjoy myself. Sometimes, though, I just need to relax and be with people or
spend time with God instead. Life can be crazy and hectic and overwhelming, but
it’s always worth it to take a minute to remember the big picture and think
about why we are really here on Earth.
It is
never a waste to spend more time with people or with God, so choose what is
better.
GOING
DEEPER:
1. Who
do you relate to in the above passage? What are ways you can find a balance
between the two personalities in your everyday life?
2. Make
it your prayer today to “choose what is better.”
FURTHER
READING:
Brita recently moved back to her home state of Wisconsin where
she works as an Elementary School Counselor. She and her family have attended
Oakwood for 20 years.
