There's always that "one thing"

GETTING STARTED

It takes many forms. It's goes by many names. It's that "one thing."

Well, really, knowing how many clubs, classes and jobs you are a part of on campus it's probably closer to 25 things at the moment. Each demanding your full time and attention. Each popping up to the top of the list. And that's not even including the new notifications that popped up on Facebook and Instagram while you were reading this. And despite our best intentions and hopes to read our Bibles more or find time to pray, somehow the day begins, the list grows, and we've convinced ourselves that our many "one things" are more urgent than the "One Thing" that is truly needed. 

Even tasks and activities related to our faith can become "one things" that take priority over the "One Thing" that Jesus calls us to. Unless we are actively doing something with a very tangible outcome, it can feel like a waste of time. Does Jesus not see our many important responsibilities and obligations that make slowing down near impossible? Two sisters and their encounter with Jesus provide us with the answer.
 

LUKE 10:38-42 

³⁸ As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. ³⁹ She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. ⁴⁰ But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” ⁴¹ “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, ⁴² but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS

1) What are the ways you have you found yourself putting working for God above being with God?
2) How can we find ourselves "preparing" for Jesus rather than simply resting at his feet? Do we feel like we can come to Him as we are, or are there preparations/improvements/changes that we feel we have to make before we can be with Him?
3) Martha doesn't sugarcoat her frustrations and has the audacity to ask Jesus if he even cares about her workload. Do you feel like you can be this honest with Jesus? Do you feel you can take your worry and frustrations to Him?
4) Jesus tells Martha that indeed only one thing matters. How does your list of priorities look in light of this word from Jesus?

CLOSING REFLECTION

Jesus is aware of your workload. He's aware of your stress. He's aware of the many things that are urgently demanding your attention. There will always be "another thing" that seems to be more important than spending time with God. There will even be things that we want to do "for" God that can take precedence over being "with" God. What are the "one things" that can wait to make space for the "one thing" that Jesus wants to offer?