Choose that Good Part
“. . . But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:42 (NKJV)
I am a Southern gal through and through, born and raised in Tennessee (God’s country, as my husband calls it). I was not only blessed to grow up in Tennessee, but my paternal grandparents lived one street over, which meant I could visit them anytime I wanted, on foot, from a very young age, which was often!
My grandmother was a full-time homemaker, so I could count on her being at home most of the time during my many impromptu visits. She could always be found in the kitchen, cooking or doing laundry (Yes, her washer and dryer were in the kitchen!), and she was always happy to see me.
Grandmama was the one who got me started playing the piano. She was quite talented. She could play the piano and the harmonica and could sing with the angels. She spent a lot of time with me at her old piano, teaching me to play.
Grandmama loved music and used to say that people who don’t enjoy music aren’t happy. As I got older, I realized she was right. Music is a gift from God and has a way of bringing joy to a person’s life. She dearly loved hymns and patriotic songs.
I spent countless hours in my grandmother’s living room playing her piano and singing. She would stop whatever she was doing just to hear me. I remember the effect it had on her, like it was yesterday. When I played a peppy song, like “Victory in Jesus,” she would bounce around to the beat, singing along, while sitting on the couch or beside me on the piano bench. A slow song, like “Old Rugged Cross,” would cause her to get still, close her eyes and sing along with such emotion on her face that I later understood, as I matured, meant she was worshipping her Savior for dying for her on that old rugged cross. It was like she was in her own world; her mind was focused solely on Him, and He touched her heart.
The book of Luke tells the story of two sisters, one like my grandmother, who Jesus visited.
Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore, tell her to help me.”
And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 (NKJV)
My grandmother was a Mary. So much to do like Martha, but like Mary, my grandmother would stop everything when I played those old hymns and take that opportunity to sit at the feet of Jesus and worship Him through song. It brought unspeakable joy to her in those moments and was worth stepping away from the busyness and demands of a homemaker’s duties. One thing more important was needed – time with Jesus – and she chose that good part, which I’m convinced was the reason for her eternal joy and optimism.
I wish I could tell you that I followed my grandmother’s example and have lived a life with the spirit of Mary, but sadly, I did not. Most of my adult years were spent being a Martha. I allowed the demands of job, home, kids, church, and all the rest keep me in a constant rush – hurried, stressed, overwhelmed, feeling inadequate – and, like Martha, complaining that no one would help me.
Then it happened. Crash! I not only fell apart, but I took my family down with me. Burnout quickly set in. All the things that I determined were most important suddenly didn’t matter as much anymore. However, the burnout season turned out to be a blessing sent straight from heaven! It taught me that something far more important was needed all along – time with my Savior, sitting at His feet – and now I choose that good part more and more.
Even though Grandmama took time away from her chores to listen to me play and sing those old hymns, she still managed to get done what needed to be done at the time. Don’t miss out on all that Jesus has for you. He desires to spend time with you, filling you and refreshing you. Take time every day to sit at his feet – in worship, in prayer, and in His word. Be a Mary. Choose that good part and trust Him with the rest.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
Lord Jesus,
Thank You for showing us through Mary and Martha’s example that You are our greatest need above all else and that we can accomplish nothing, even the most mundane tasks, without You. Remind us daily to spend time at Your feet before embarking on the day’s demands, knowing You will enable us to fulfill all that is needed for that day according to Your will.
In Your name we pray,
Amen