As we look forward to the year ahead, what are the things that concern you the most? Focus on the important things. Spend time with Jesus and put that as a high priority. The Story about Mary and Martha with Jesus is an interesting parallel as we consider what our priorities are and what our attitude is like.
As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem they came to a village where a woman named Martha welcomed them into her home. Her sister Mary sat on the floor, listening to Jesus as he talked. But Martha was the jittery type and was worrying over the big dinner she was preparing.
She came to Jesus and said, “Sir, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “Martha, dear friend, you are so upset over all these details! There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it – and I won’t take it away from her!” Luke 10:38-42, The Living Bible.
The following quotes are from Joanna Weaver in her book called, “Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World: Finding Intimacy with God in the Busyness of Life.”
“It’s been said that worry is like a rocking chair—it gives you something to do, but it doesn’t get you anywhere.”
“I had spent so much of my life concentrating on the “fruit” of my own personal holiness, that I missed out on the connection, the sweet intimacy of being attached to the Vine. And as a result, what I tried to do was as ludicrous as an apple tree branch trying to produce apples by its own effort. “Be good, be good. Do good, do good,” the broken branch chants as it lies on the orchard grass. “That apple should be popping out anytime,” says the helpless, lifeless stick.”