“She [Martha] had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet and was listening to what he said.” Luke 10:39

I like to-do lists. I like to make them and then knock them out one by one. But, sometimes I think my to-do list is the point. I jump over people just to check the next box. I skip my time with Jesus, because I’ve got stuff to do.

Then, when there is a crisis, I feel like I’ve got to manage it on my own. I make new boxes to check. But sometimes the tasks are too many or too hard, and the list too long. I get overwhelmed and anxious. I’m like a computer that’s overheating trying to compute too much information. My task oriented mindset is destroying my heart and soul.

Martha was a box-checker. She invited Jesus into her home and was busy entertaining her esteemed guest. I imagine she was trying to cook dinner, and make sure all the guests–Jesus with disciples in toe–were comfortable. She was running back and forth with her many tasks. She was stressed and she was hustling.

Meanwhile, her sister Martha was at Jesus’ feet and hanging on his words. His words were full of grace and truth. She probably felt like the two disciples Jesus met on the road to Emmaus, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us…?”

When Martha gets upset that she’s working while her sister is relaxing, Jesus reminds her what matters most. He said, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Was I really made to just check these boxes? No, I was made to love God and love people. I was made to sit with Jesus and listen to his leading. I was made for relationship, not tasks. Devotion, not duty.

One thing is necessary–and it’s not anxious hustling. One thing is necessary: your connection with Jesus.