If it doesn’t get put on a list, it doesn’t get done. That’s how it is with me. Even my routine things from drinking enough water to saying all my prayers are on an app. (It’s called Finch, and it’s fun way to track selfcare and other daily habits. My teen son has it too!)

Honestly, I waffle over the stress of things, hand it all to God, then take it back and worry again. It goes back and forth. The Lord is so patient with me. When Jesus said to be like a little child, I don’t think an antsy, whiny, frustrated toddler is what he meant. His patience with me is, thankfully, far better than mine.

As I go about my busyness and worrying, I’m reminded of Mary and Martha (Lk 10:38-42).

Mary & Martha

The Lord visits the house of Mary and Martha. As he talks, Mary is seated near his feet, a place for disciples. Martha goes about the busyness of serving, bustling with dishes and things. How lovely for Mary to be allowed to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen, a place not thought of for women. She was allowed to hear the Lord’s Word and she chose to do so.

But what about Martha? She was left to serve everyone and her sister wasn’t helping. It seemed unfair. Ever feel this way?

Mary Chose the Better Part

When Martha finally complains that Mary should be told to help, Jesus doesn’t submit to her request. He says that Mary chose the better part and it won’t be taken from her (v 42). How long was Jesus going to be in their house? How long did they have to listen to the Word of God firsthand? Mary did chose the better part and was even allowed to listen right at his feet.

The laundry can wait, the dishes can soak, the vacuum can sit. Am I making room for my prayers or rushing through? (I’m often rushing through; I’m working on it.) Do I carve out time to pray with my kids, read the Bible, go to Mass on Holy days, or take a moment to be Jesus to someone in need?

I wonder if I take these moments for granted. I don’t know how long Jesus will present himself to me in each of those moments. I need to choose the better part as often as I can.

But What About Martha?

I’m in the weeds of some difficult times in life, so stress levels are flying. Sometimes I find myself fretting over chores and tasks, and wasting mental and emotional energy on these things. It’s not the better part, that’s for sure.

But what about Martha? I always felt a little badly for her in this story. As a kid, I thought for sure I’d be Mary, but now as a mom of three taking care of parents and working different jobs… turns out I’m Martha. Surely the laundry does need to be done. The dishes, the vacuuming, all of it has to be done eventually. I’ve nailed the habit of praying while working, but it’s more than reciting phrases and tackling chores.

What’s important to note in Jesus’s response is that Martha is anxious (v 41). Jesus doesn’t tell her to stop serving and sit, nor does he say to do it all herself. He simply addresses the real issue, that she’s filled with anxiety and worry, while Mary has chosen peace.

Of course I need to go grocery shopping. Sure I can listen to a Fr. Mike podcast as I shop, but that’s not the point. Am I giving all my worry to God and not taking it back. Am I trusting him, listening to him? Am I sitting at the feet of Jesus and hanging on his every word?

Seek First the Kingdom

If I’m focused on worry, I’m not focused on God. He doesn’t tell us all our problems will be solved, but our hope is in these words:

“But seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.” (Mt 6:33-34)

I spend too much time worrying about tomorrow. Imagine if Martha was joyfully serving, listening as she worked and not focused on the annoyance of her sister sitting. Imagine if she set out a few things, then sat, knowing she can wash things later.

Can I do that? Can I fill myself with hope and joy for the Lord and not worry about tomorrow?

Mary chose the better part. While I have a Martha-mountain of to-dos, I can choose better too.