The Ever-Abiding Presence of a To Do List

“But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made”

Luke 10:40 (NIV)

For my love of to-do lists and completing tasks, I’ve identified as a “Martha” most of my life. For a quick refresher – Martha and Mary are sisters. Martha invited Jesus over and spent much of that time busy from hostessing Him, while Mary sat with Jesus. Martha ultimately got upset that she received no help in the preparations for a guest. If this were me, I’d expect I’d have the same response as Martha did. Why? Because I love to ensure that everything is taken care of on my to-do list – dishes, laundry, emails, work – all of those things that come in endless supply. When those activities and tasks are completed, then maybe, I’ll get to things of more importance and priorities. But our time is precious and fleeting, and sometimes we never get to the bottom of our checklist.

What’s so interesting is that the one who had extended an invitation to Jesus was the one who ended up not spending the time with him. Martha did not lack a desire to spend time with the Lord; yet, she busied herself with activity rather than enjoying the company of her guest. While there are no specific requirements for spending time with the Lord, I’ve only recently recognized my propensity to a checklist rather than allow God to lead me and spend time in His presence. I have felt a lot like Martha, that my way to God is good and worthy “activities” for Him – things that are good in and of itself – but that is not always what God is not requiring of me. I can read about God, do things that please Him, but in the end, I may have denied myself time in His presence. Ultimately, the work had exhausted Martha and she missed sitting at the Lord’s feet listening to Him.

The other component to this story is how Jesus responded to the invitation, without hesitation. Martha opened her home and He willingly entered. While many guests may have appreciated the fanfare, the production, and all of the preparations by a host, that was not was Jesus asked for. He simply responded” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” What a comfort that is to us – Jesus hasn’t asked for all of the activity. His desire is first and foremost for our undivided attention and our heart.

The Psalmist had a heart after God and I feel like we can learn so much from this – “Be still, and know that I am God!” It’s in the quiet where we seek Him, that we know Him and hear Him more clearly. While Martha’s tendencies can always be found balancing all of the daily activities, I now see that even my quiet time was very Martha-esque. My prayer for each of us is that as devote time to spending with God, reading his word, but our first desire is for Him and knowing that He desires relationship, not activity.

Reflection Questions:

Are you Martha or Mary in this scenario?

How have you let your calendar, your activities, your to do list drown out the voice of God?

What do you desire of time with God in your day?

My prayer:

Lord, we praise you because you first desired us.

Thank you that you do not place expectations and busyness upon me,

But rather, show me how you would guide our time together.

Still my distractions, my thoughts, and my heart before you.

That I might hear your voice and see your face.

You are the desire of my heart.