I’ll never forget when my son, Michael, spun the lever on the Jack-In-The-Box for the first time in his life.   When Jack popped out, Michael squealed with delight, “Do it again!  Again!  Again!”

Many of us like to keep our boxes separated as we jump from our family-box to our work-box to our TV box to our church box throughout our week.

One of my favorite box stories is when Jesus visited Martha and Mary’s house.  While Mary sat and listened at Jesus’ feet, Martha rushed around to clean her box (I meant her house) and prepare dinner.  You can almost feel Martha’s exasperation over the work that needed to be done as she moaned, “Lord, tell Mary to help me.”

I don’t know about you, but I totally understand Martha.  When guests come over, we like our box cleaned too.   Even more to the point, we expect our kids to empty the dishwasher box, vacuum and literally put things into their proper box.  Furthermore, when I’m working hard and someone isn’t lifting their side of that box, I don’t like it.  

That’s when Jesus gets my attention.  He responds by saying, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things…  and Mary has chosen what is better.” Luke 10:40  

It sure seems like I’ve spent a lot of my life just like Martha – getting this job done, and that job done while focusing on which box is next.

Martha, Martha. . . Again, again!

Just for today, lets ask ourselves:  How often do I truly put Jesus first in my life?  Do I run and chase after getting things done, or do I spend time resting all alone with God?  Do I truly enjoy reading a gospel chapter, or do I wish the chapter wasn’t quite so long?

Jesus said, Mary has chosen the better!  Can I take a few minutes with God each day, to learn – perhaps a little at a time – how wonderful it is to rest at his feet.  Jesus can’t wait to see you there.