Choosing the Better Part

Mary has chosen the better part. (Luke 10:42)

I can't clearly say whether I am either a Mary or a Martha. 

A thinker or a doer.
Contemplative or active.
Focused or distracted.

Perhaps it's not a matter of either/or, but of both/and. Honestly, I believe it is a farce to think that we're always 100% able to choose our life roles.  As moms and wives, the everyday bustle sometimes picks that for us.  We are not only in charge of providing everything that we need but must first be responsible for our families. The luxury of setting back a ton of prime-alone-with-Jesus time is rare. 

Ideal morning:  As the coffee is brewing, I crack open my Bible and read today's readings and a short devotional, during which I have a life-changing talk with Jesus as I watch the sunrise, all while my beautiful children lay peacefully sleeping.  Time with Jesus in the Word...a perfect start to what will no doubt be a perfect day. 

No. Nope. Nyet. Nuh-uh.  

Actual morning:  I've been laying in bed since my dear husband left for work because my mind won't stop racing through my to-do list: bills, doctor's appointments that need to be made, groceries from a couple of stores, birthdays, anniversaries, family obligations, church activities, school curriculum, future high school plans...more bills.  I would really love to go back to sleep.  Must have coffee.  I shuffle to the kitchen and open my laptop to start my Bible study...ugh, just check one bill...then your email.  Ring!!! Phone call?  It's too early for phone calls.  I hear sleepy little footsteps...and as soon as those feet hit the floor, their bellies call for breakfast. An hour passes. Phone call is over. Pop tarts are eaten. I finally get my first cup of coffee. Time for school. Then for lunch. Daddy's on his way home. Gotta start dinner. Do the dishes. Bedtime.

Where is Jesus in my day?  

He's there...in a sympathetic ear when Mom tearfully talks about her best friend with dementia who is fading away.

He's there....in morning hugs and the quiet moments with sleepy-eyed little ones. 

He's there....in the patience shown when the Little Fella just can't sit still to finish his vocabulary or siblings rival...for the millionth time.

He's there....in the sweet girl's voice as she leads the Angelus at noon. 

He's there....in excited hugs & stories that meet Daddy at the door.

He's there....in the chicken casserole and soap suds.

He's there....in the bedtime cuddles and the nighttime prayers.

We can't always have the ideal day, but we can find Jesus if we look in the bustle of the everyday.  

On those rare times when I do get to sit with my Bible & HOT coffee in the quiet of dawn experiencing the morsel of an ideal day, I have faith that no matter what the day brings, Jesus will be there in the actual...in both the challenges and the better parts.