o n e / w ə n /
(adjective) a single thing.
Read: Luke 10
There are a million little things that can weigh a heart down. Oh how easy it is to create a whole, messy narrative in my head with knowing only one minor detail, one single mishap, one word misspoken, one small misunderstanding, one undone moment.
Some may call it control, perhaps even perfectionism. And this is true, in its unguarded, anxious place. But when the desire for perfect lowers herself into His presence, no matter the narrative, it becomes a longing to be good and do good, for the only One who is perfectly good.
In Luke chapter ten, Jesus enters a village. “And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord‘s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.’” Luke 10:38-40
I’ve always loved this story. Mary’s complete abandon to Jesus leaves my heart inspired and at rest. But I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for Martha too. Someone had to do the work of hosting, and here she was, doing it all by herself while her beloved sister sat soaking up life and love from their favorite Teacher.
I imagine Martha heard another familiar voice unraveling within ~ Why couldn’t she be more like her sister? Why does she feel the weight of responsibility? What will it take to finally be valued ~ to just be enough? And He whispers, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken from her.” Luke 10:41-42
Initially, Jesus’ words seem a bit unfair. But in no way was He shaming Martha’s passion for perfection or for goodness’ sake.
He was actually reassuring her that she was good, and her work was good enough.
He was setting her free, to choose the posture of her heart. And therefore, the work of her hands.
Because it really is a choice to allow our thoughts to run wild, our hearts to be weighed down, and our hands to be ever-so-busy. It’s also a brave decision to take captive our heavy thinking, breathe in grace, and lean in still...one little thing at a time.
All really is calm, in Christ.
Reflect:
Do you identify more with Mary or Martha? Why?
Regardless of who you see yourself more like, both Mary and Martha have much to teach us. God has called us to be and to do, but our doing flows most freely out of our being (with Him). How can you choose the “one thing necessary” - a posture of resting, trusting, and surrendering - in your working today?
