The Better Thing

Each day we wake and are faced with expectations of one kind and another. Those we place on ourselves and those that others place upon us! To discover God’s expectations of us can be life changing and liberating.

When Jesus called in to visit Mary & Martha at home, Martha did what we all do, busying herself being a great hostess while Mary relaxed and enjoyed the company of their guest.  Was this what was expected?  Of Mary toward her sister? Of Christ who visited with them or was Martha’s expectation placed upon her by herself?  Would she rather have been sitting with Mary instead of toiling away with growing resentment towards her sister for not helping?

Like us, Martha had to say something and Jesus responds ‘Martha, Martha 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’ – John 10:41

Perhaps to be in the moment; to choose the ‘better thing’ was simply to sit at his feet and listen.  What was thought to be important could wait. Does our busyness keep us from Jesus feet?

Do our own expectations of ourselves reflect Jesus’ greatest desire for us – to sit at his feet?  - to know him?

By Claire Anderson