Today I want to share about the story of Mary and Martha and what we can learn from this timeless story about balance, distraction, and overwhelm.
I almost stepped out of the shower this morning with only one leg shaved. I had gotten distracted—again. Distraction is such a prevalent part of our world, sneaking into every corner of our lives. In fact, there’s even a global organization for distracted people! One man shared how he took his dog for a walk, only to realize two blocks later that he had forgotten the dog.
We all have these moments. Life pulls us in so many directions, and before we know it, we’re caught up in the whirlwind of to-dos, forgetting what truly matters. This is why I want to talk about one of my favorite stories from the New Testament: Mary and Martha. No matter what you believe, this story holds valuable lessons about priorities, distraction, and how we put things in their proper order.
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The Story of Mary and Martha: A Lesson in Priorities
In Luke 10:38-42, Jesus visits the home of two sisters, Mary and Martha. Martha is busy serving, making sure everything is just right, while Mary sits at Jesus’ feet, listening to His words. Overwhelmed, Martha asks Jesus to tell Mary to help her, but He responds:
“Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
Oof. That one hits deep. I am absolutely a Martha. I love efficiency, productivity, and getting things done. But Jesus’ words remind me that sometimes, in our pursuit of doing, we miss what is truly important.
Recognizing When We Are Too Distracted
Martha wasn’t doing anything wrong—she was serving. She was making sure everyone was fed and comfortable. But she was so caught up in the work that she missed the opportunity to be present with Jesus. Sound familiar?
How often do we, as busy women, prioritize our never-ending to-do lists over the things that truly fill our souls? Whether it’s choosing to clean up instead of sitting down to talk with our kids, or saying yes to another obligation when what we really need is rest, we often put productivity ahead of presence.
The Overloaded Jar: When There Are Too Many Rocks
You’ve probably heard the analogy of the jar. If you fill it with sand and pebbles first, there’s no room for the big rocks. But if you put the big rocks in first—your most important priorities—everything else can fit around them. The problem? Many of us have so many big rocks that no matter how we arrange them, they just won’t all fit.
This was me. When my kids were little, I was trying to be everything—providing for my family, taking care of clients, making meals, keeping a clean home. I had let go of everything fun, everything just for me, and I still felt like there wasn’t enough time. The reality was, I had too many rocks, and no amount of strategic planning could make them all fit.
Choosing the “Good Part”
Jesus didn’t say Martha’s work wasn’t important. But He did remind her that Mary had chosen “that good part.” The challenge for us is recognizing what the good part is in our own lives.
- What are the things that truly fill your soul? Maybe it’s family dinners, meaningful conversations, quiet moments with a book.
- What distractions are pulling you away? Are you saying yes to too many things that don’t align with your true priorities?
- How can you intentionally create space for what matters? This might mean cutting out obligations, simplifying routines, or giving yourself permission to rest.
The Takeaway from Mary and Martha: Be Present, Not Just Productive
Being a Martha isn’t bad. The world needs Marthas. But if we aren’t careful, we can become so consumed with doing that we miss the beauty of just being. The challenge is to find our inner Mary—to slow down, to listen, to be present in the moments that matter most.
So today, I invite you to pause. Take a deep breath. Ask yourself: Am I making space for what truly fills my soul? Because at the end of the day, choosing the good part is always worth it.
AFTER YOU LISTEN:
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