“Choose the ONE”
Photo ~ Robert Broughton
Financial pressures, anxiety over the future, stress over an upcoming long distance (solo) drive plus several nights of insomnia equaled my heart and mind racing along like a run-away horse.
As I drove to church for Sunday service, I considered various solutions to the issues that seemed to be relentlessly hammering me into the ground.
Musicians played, singers sang, worshipers worshiped and finally the beating of my heart slowed to normal. I inhaled deeply and on the exhale raised my hand as I joined in worship.
And then it happened. A story from the pages of the Bible lying next to my purse flashed through my being. This is the way of the Spirit – to bring to life the Living Word within the heart of the Believer.
The story is of two women and two choices.
Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him as a guest. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he said. But Martha was distracted with all the preparations she had to make, so she came up to him and said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the work alone? Tell her to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things, but one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the best part; it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38 – 42 NET, emphasis mine)
Two women
One woman – anxious and worried, heart beating rapidly as she rushed to prepare for guests. How would she get it all done? How would she solve the urgent issue at hand?
One woman – assured and rested, soaking up the presence of the Guest of Honor. How she loved His teaching! How she hung on His words!
Two choices
Rushing, heart racing woman frantically trying to figure a way…
Or
Resting, heart opened woman reverently listening to The Way…
As mistress of the family home, Martha eagerly received Jesus as her guest. But her preparations distracted her from the importance of his stay. Mary sat at the feet of Jesus, listening and learning – disciple and Rabbi.
It is one thing to make room in your home for Christ as guest and another to make room for Him in your heart as resident.
Musicians played and singers sang. Worshipers stood, exuberant in praise.
The words of Jesus resonated within my heart, “You are worried about many things. Choose the one thing.”
Without any hesitation I chose. Left hand joined right in upward pose of praise. And just like that – anxiety over the urgent receded as the presence of Peace stirred my faith and stayed my heart.
In each of us lies the capacity to be one of two women – frantic worrier or refreshed worshiper.
In each of us lies the freedom of choice.
Only one thing is needed. Choose the best part.
Choose the ONE.
© 2012 Melanie Dorsey
Do you need to make a better choice today?
Elaine Olsen (Peace for the Journey) writes about a “choosing” here.
It is one thing to make room in your home for Christ as guest and another to make room for Him in your heart as resident. (click to tweet)
