Just One Thing

Couldn't everyone see how busy I was? If so, then why did they keep adding more to my plate?



I had a book to get out and promote, a quickly-approaching Easter cantata with a solo I was supposed to sing, and another night with yet another extra activity I hadn't planned on. And somewhere in the midst of all that I was supposed to prepare for a move that spanned four states, do our taxes and the taxes for our business, find time to travel across the four previously-mentioned states for a house inspection, vacate the premises when a realtor wanted to show our current home (and keep it clean in the process of moving), and so on and so on.



I was S.T.R.E.S.S.E.D!!!!



And just like Martha, I grumbled to the Lord. "Lord, can't you do something about this? I have too much to do and not enough hours in the day. And no one seems to care enough to consider my schedule when they add something else to my to-do list without even asking."



His still, small voice drowned out my complaint with these words:



"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 (NIV)



Life often seems to move at supersonic speed to the point that I cry out: "Stop this treadmill and let me off!"



At those frantic and hectic times, our best response is to still our anxious thoughts and turn them to the Lord. He has promised strength in our weakness, joy and peace for the journey, and His eternal presence. We are the ones who give far too much importance to our agendas--even (and especially) when many of our tasks are meant to be loving service for the Lord.



Let the words that Christ spoke to Martha also speak to us. Just one thing is needed, and that is to sit at His feet in humble obedience and with a listening heart. It is there we will rediscover our peace and joy, relinquish our puny strength for His, and realize that He is always with us.