The better choice

There is the proverbial chicken walking around with head allegedly cut off. This term means when someone is so busy that he runs uncontrolled and headless through life and is completely distracted. We can relate this to our busy lives. The standard answer to "How are you?" Is, "Good, but I have to go right away!" Or "Well, but I do not have time!" Many of us seem to run from one task to the next, to the point where we can not find time to rest and relax.

Our constant stress, our own drive, and the persistent feeling of being controlled by others impair our relationship with God and our relationships with others. The good news is that being busy is often a choice you can make. The Gospel of Luke contains a wonderful story that illustrates this: “As Jesus and his disciples continued on their journey, he came to a village where a woman named Martha invited him into her house. She had a sister named Mary. Mary sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to him. Martha, however, was busy preparing for her guests. Finally, she stood before Jesus and said, ‘Lord, do you think it right that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord replied, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’” (Lk 10,38-42).

I like how Jesus gently diverted Martha, who was rushed, distracted and worried. We do not know if Martha made a rich meal or if it was a combination of food preparation and a lot of other things that bothered her. What we do know is that their busyness prevented them from spending time with Jesus.

When she complained to Jesus, he suggested she reorient herself and focus on him, because he had something important to say to her. “From now on I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” (Joh 15,15).

Sometimes we should all focus anew. Like Martha, we can be too busy and distracted to do good things for Jesus, neglecting to enjoy and listen to his presence. The intimate relationship with Jesus should be our main priority. This was the point that Jesus sought when he said to her, "Mary has chosen the better." In other words, Mary has put the relationship with Jesus above her responsibilities and that relationship is what can not be taken away. There will always be tasks that need to be done. But how often do we emphasize the things we think we need to do instead of looking at the value of the people we do them for? God has created you for a close personal relationship with him and with all your fellow human beings. Maria seemed to understand that. I hope you do too.

from Greg Williams