One Thing is Needed in 2020

In many ways I am happy to be leaving 2019 behind, and am welcoming a fresh start in 2020! But this year I felt an extra amount of pressure with not only a new year, but a new decade starting to make some pretty exciting resolutions! Can you relate? I felt a lot of pressure from myself and those advertising to me to be a better, newer version of myself.

Unfortunately I think this extra amount of pressure actually made me shy away from the new year. And although I made some of the same resolutions. Like taking better care of my body by moving more, eating better, and learning new crafting skills. Being 25 weeks pregnant currently and still feeling the all day nausea, I thought more about what is truly important for me, and my family. The things that really fuel my weary soul.

This passage in Luke helped me gain perspective for this new year. And it encouraged me because even when I feel weak and unable to make big goals. I can still do the one thing needed.

Luke 10:40-42

“But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“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.”

Sitting at Jesus’s feet

Because the truth is that even when I feel more energized and more competent at making big goals, only one thing is truly needed. And I think that is one benefit of feeling less adequate in my own abilities. I am more attuned for what God might have for me this year versus what I think I might be able to work on as my agenda.

Isn’t it is easier to sit at Jesus’s feet and listen to His words when we feel weak? Rushing around and the crowding in of other things is less appealing when I am feeling sick or weary.

When Everything Seems Important, We Miss Out

I am thankful for Martha. Because it is through imperfect examples that I find hope. How often do I do the same thing Martha did? I make unnecessary things, important. More important than listening to Jesus. Listening. I think that was a big difference between the two women.

Martha wasn’t necessarily doing anything wrong by serving everyone. In fact to her it seemed necessary, and even more important. If we were in the room with the sisters, would we think Martha was more servant-hearted. We know from Luke that she thought she was. Martha tried to have Jesus support her point of view and reprimand her sister.

But Jesus surprised her and teaches something incredible. “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.”

All the Other Things

But what about everything else on my to- do list. Surely I can’t ignore the needs of my husband, children or home? I don’t think this is what Jesus is getting at.

Mary was choosing in that moment to listen intently to what Jesus was teaching. Martha wanted Mary to be a part of her agenda. She was not able to sit and listen because she was distracted by other things.

Could Martha have chosen like Mary to listen first, and then worry about the meal, the dishes, the other distractions? Yes, so Jesus helps her. Seek me first, seek the things of God first, all the other stuff will be added on as well.

Simplifying My Resolutions

So this year I kept my resolutions simple. I know this is the place I want to start my days. Sitting at the feet of Jesus, with Mary.

This year, like every year, no matter what I am doing I want to make sure I am keeping my focus on Jesus. When I feel nauseous and can’t sleep. Jesus. When I feel energized and ambitious. Jesus. Every feeling in between. Jesus.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33