Luke 10:38-42

         Martha, Martha, Martha (or Marcia, Marcia, Marcia)

         38 Now as they went on their way, he entered a village; and a woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." 41 But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; 42 one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her."

         Mary has chosen the better portion.  More than that, I think Mary has accepted the better portion. When it comes to so many of the good things and blessings of this life, so many of us turn them down. Kudo's to Mary for having the good sense and presence of mind to know what the better portion was. 

        I've noticed on more than one occasion that people respond to face book postings about places we go or places we eat with the comment of  "I wish I could do that" or "wouldn't it be nice".  Truth be told it takes a decision to want to do it and a great deal of planning. We live frugally but we are also generous and we plan things out. We use the brains God gave us to make things happen and we try not to waste what we have been graced with. Anyone can do these things, it just doesn't happen overnight.

          Some people will cite excuse after excuse why they can't do this or that. Martha burdened herself with all sorts of concerns and worries and she wound up missing out on the best portion.

         When we burden ourselves with too many cares and concerns, fret over the unimportant, we are  actually making a decision not to enjoy some of the good things in life because our mind is too occupied, our time is too occupied. Perhaps we don't feel we are worth it. One of my lifelong goals is to try and be sure everyone knows that they are in fact worth it.

          Lest you think I am being rather materialistic, I am not. This is all about the spiritual. The material is secondary to the spiritual. The material will pass away, our souls will not. So how does this all play out in our spiritual life? Well, for starters, we have to stop making excuses and make some decisions. 1) Know that you are worthy. God created you, God loves you, God wants you to have the best and that is a fulfilled relationship with him/her. 2) Decide to take some time. Devote some time to prayer, solitude, reading scripture. Like fine trips and dining, it takes time and planning but the results can be awe inspiring. 3. Decide to put aside the mundane less important details of life. They will surely get in the way of way, way too many good things.

          So, Don't be a Martha - be a Mary.