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“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.” – Luke 10:41-42
It was only the second week of June, but I was already dying. In fourteen days, I’d traveled to three states, attended four conferences, and written half a dozen chapters for my book. On the outside, I was busy and thriving. My over-bursting calendar wasn’t just reality but a race I couldn’t uphold. By the end of the month, I realized I needed to take a month off. I couldn’t continue operating at this speed and volume. But more than that, I realized that peace isn’t found when the calendar finally empties, the book is written, and the speaking engagements end. Peace is found when we remember who is holding us.
In life, we all face busy seasons. Notification, full calendars, deadlines, family needs, church commitments, and work responsibilities are common. We’re good at telling ourselves, “Once I get through this week, this activity, this XYZ, then I’ll finally pause and breathe.” The reality is that the weeks keep filling. Maybe your schedule is full because you’re caring for people you love or chasing a calling God placed on your heart. Maybe you’re just trying to keep up with everyday responsibilities. But maybe, somewhere between meetings, errands, expectations, and endless lists, your peace starts to evaporate. Your soul is as rushed as your schedule.
In Luke 10, Martha wasn’t wrong for wanting to serve Jesus. She had a beautiful servant’s heart. She cared. But she was wrong about the pressure that crowded out her worship of Him. When Jesus came to visit Martha and her sister Mary, He entered their home. Mary immediately sat at His feet while Martha continued to hustle and bustle around. When Jesus calls out to Martha, “Martha, Martha,” He isn’t rebuking her worth or trying to embarrass her. He wasn’t even trying to compare her to her sister. He was trying to direct her to what really mattered at that very moment—an invitation back to Himself.
Friends, God isn’t asking us to abandon our responsibilities, never worry, or start quarrels with our siblings. He’s inviting us to stop carrying those things apart from Him. This week, before you continue to check things off your to-do list or rush through the motions, take 1 minute (yes, just 1!) to pause before you push forward. Honestly, ask yourself: “Am I doing this from a place of obedience or fear?” “Am I serving God or just trying to prove myself?” Then, choose to intentionally create a moment of stillness with Jesus. Instead of focusing on another task or achievement, read one Psalm before checking your phone. Pray in the car instead of listening to music. Maybe even set “Jesus’ time” on your calendar and take 5-minutes a day to sit in His presence.