Choosing Mary in a Martha world

The back-to-school season brings a shift—new routines, sports practices, church events, and an ever-growing to-do list. For moms, it can feel like life is an endless cycle of “do, do, do.” Dishes, lunches, homework, diapers, birthday parties—it never ends.

But in Luke’s Gospel, we see the difference between Martha, who was busy serving, and Mary, who chose to sit at the feet of Jesus. Both roles matter, but only one was called “the better part.”

When we choose to pause—even for a few minutes each day—to be with Jesus, we step into His presence, peace, and love. From that place, everything else flows. We parent with more patience, serve with more joy, and know which “yeses” are truly from Him.

This week, I encourage you to carve out Mary-time in your day. Don’t let it feel like another item to check off—let it become a joy and a place of refuge. Presence with Him is the foundation for everything else.

Reflection question: How can you create space today to sit at Jesus’ feet?