The Better Part?

“Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.” // Luke 10:42

The scent first reached us, and it was amazing. The aroma of fresh, warm bread and smoky cheddar wafted through the house as the back door shut. While my dear friend Sister Mariam and I chatted and laughed on the living room sofa, my teenager had spent the afternoon carefully following a new recipe for cheddar bread. After baking it on our pellet grill, she proudly brought it in to share.

My daughter cut three slices off the end and presented them to us. Sister chose first, taking an inside slice, and I very happily picked up the end piece with all of its crusty goodness. One bite for the other kids and they instantly knew the bread was underbaked and would need to go back to the grill. As Sister also placed her slice back on the platter, I declared, “I’m sorry yours is underdone. Mine is perfect. Looks like I have chosen the better part, and it will not be taken from me.”

We laughed, but a part of me felt selfish. Reflecting on it now, I wonder how Mary felt when the words were originally spoken about her by Jesus two thousand years ago. Had she wanted her sister to sit down beside her and just take it all in? Did she blush when Martha called her out? Did she look down in embarrassment when the Lord gently rebuked her sister? Did Martha receive Jesus’ words and the love behind them in humiliated anger or tender relief?

I don’t know, but I believe that Jesus wants us all to have the better part of being close to Him in all we do, and He does not want anyone to take it from us. Are you open to the better part? How are you open to Him today?

Jesus wants us all to have the better part. // Bonnie Engstrom Click to tweet

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