Choosing What Matters Most

Scripture:“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.” — Luke 10:41–42

Devotional: Chooseing What Matters Most

I was walking back to work this afternoon after meeting my dad for lunch when a feeling of nostalgia suddenly swept over me. I have lived in this city since I was a little girl. So many memories live here, childhood memories, family memories, and memories from different seasons of adulthood. Over the years, I have watched so much change.

It struck me that I do not often take the time to really look around and absorb my surroundings. I rarely slow down long enough to notice what once was and what now is.

Part of this journey with writing devotionals and building The Lavender Hazel has been about learning to slow down and savor everyday life, to live more intentionally and enjoy moments as they come instead of rushing through them.

Life is short. Even if we live to be 100 years old, time passes quickly. One day we are children wishing we were old enough for something, and before we know it, we are adults looking back wondering where the time went.

It is so easy to become consumed by our endless to-do lists that we miss the simple joys found in being fully present.

In today’s scripture, Jesus gently rebukes Martha because of her frustration with her sister Mary. Martha had become overwhelmed with serving and preparing for their guests while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, listening to His teaching. Frustrated, Martha wanted Jesus to correct Mary and tell her to help.

But Jesus saw something deeper.

He told Martha that Mary had chosen what was better, and He would not take that away from her.

I think most of us have been Martha at one time or another, maybe more often than we would like to admit. We feel frustration rising because the co-worker, spouse, children, or friends seem to be enjoying life while we are carrying the responsibilities and making sure everything gets done.

And as someone who naturally leans toward being a doer, I understand that perspective well.

You may even be thinking what I often think:“Well, none of this fun or enjoyment would happen if someone wasn’t handling everything behind the scenes.”

There is truth in that.

But what I am learning is this: there must be balance.

For balance to happen, something often has to shift. That shift may require eliminating unnecessary obligations. It may require compromise. It may require asking for help. And sometimes it feels uncomfortable because change usually does.

Intentional living means taking inventory of what truly matters and making purposeful choices to prioritize those things in our daily lives.We have to choose what matters most.

Growing in our relationship with Christ means intentionally making time to open His Word, learn from Him, and connect with Him through prayer.

Spending quality time with family may require adjusting schedules and making a deliberate choice to be fully present. As my son likes to say, sometimes we need to “hang up and hang out.”

Sometimes intentional living simply means taking better care of ourselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Whatever area of life needs restructuring, God will guide us through the changes needed to create a healthier balance.

Sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do is slow down, sit at the feet of Jesus, and remember what matters most.

Reflection:Are you living more like Martha or Mary right now? What areas of your life feel too busy, too heavy, or too distracting? What changes could help you slow down and become more intentional with your time, relationships, and walk with Christ?

Prayer:Dear Lord, thank You for reminding me what truly matters. Forgive me for the times I become so distracted by responsibilities, busyness, and the pressures of life that I miss opportunities to simply be present with You and the people I love. Help me create healthy balance in my life and give me wisdom to recognize what needs to shift. Teach me to slow down, live intentionally, and prioritize what matters most. Amen.