41 But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; 42 but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41–42 (NAS)

Read Luke 10:38-42

The important women in my life have been like Martha. Highly responsible in everything. Skilled and organized in the science of hospitality. Disciplined. Attentive. Planners days ahead, but capable on a moment’s notice to deliver on the fly. Whirling dervishes.

But the Lord favors our attentiveness over acts of service. Our sense of responsibility should not override opportunities to sit at his feet. I’m sure he appreciated a good home cooked meal, but perhaps Mary understood he could whip one up himself if he had to. After all he is the bread of life.

At the Lord’s feet was a familiar place for Mary, who wiped them clean with her hair after anointing him with oil.

1 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was the Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. John 11:1–2

To be honest, I’d have to stand with Martha’s ilk, burdened down by worry that I must deliver at the highest level lest I be found wanting by others. It’s a heavy burden to bear which can only be lifted by putting the spoon down, stepping away from the stove, and repositioning at Jesus’ feet. Unproductive as it might seem, nothing gets done that really matters without a quiet time at the Lord’s feet just listening.

One last thought. All our lives we yearn to be where he is. We sing about it all the time. When we get that chance, we should take it. Mary chose the “good part.” The food would be digested and expended. Her time with the Lord would remain forever.

One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in His temple. Psalm 27:4