Momma, Choose Better – Not Worry

My husband recently asked me if we could start going to church a little earlier than usual so that we could spend more time connecting with people. We attend a church that meets in a middle school, so it’s hard to chat after the service. Everyone is tearing down, picking up their kids from kid’s church, and trying to get out the door because it’s lunch time.

“Honey, let’s leave 20 minutes early for church so we can talk with people.”

I huffed, and puffed, and rolled my eyes.

“If we go early, YOU have to help me with the kids. You end up getting to talk with people while I chase the kids around. I’d rather not go early unless you promise to help.”

…Thankfully, my husband has a lot of grace and patience…

“Honey, there are other kids there. If we let them play, they will get a little loud but will have fun and there isn’t much they could actually get into. You don’t need to worry so much. They’ll be fine.”

He was right, of course. I needed to choose better. That morning, I chatted with a few friends and allowed my kids to play with a little more freedom. Yes, they got loud. They ran in circles in the back of the meeting room, sliding on their knees and bellies on tile floor, laughing hysterically. And they made a lot of other people smile and laugh too. It was fine and no one cared.

For us, connecting with people at church isn’t just social. It’s about learning how people are really doing, how we can pray for them, and making them feel welcomed in the body of Christ. People at our church are a part of our family.

And I almost missed it because I was worried about doing all of the “work” myself.

Are We Mary Or Martha?

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 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.”

– Luke 10:38-42

What a crappy attitude I had that Sunday morning. Just like Martha, I was jealous and upset about what my husband chose to do with his time. When in fact, I was just choosing the wrong thing. I needed to choose better.

Yes, we obviously have many responsibilities as mommas. We DO need to keep our kids out of trouble, but do they really need all of the restrictions we put into place? How many of our rules are so that we aren’t embarrassed by what other people think? Or because we just don’t like it when they are loud?

Momma, spending time with Jesus and serving others in his name needs to come first. Always.

I can just hear Jesus pulling me aside and gently saying the same thing to me as he did to Martha.

Kristina, Kristina … you are worried and upset about many things, but you’re missing the whole point. Choose me and the gospel first. Everything else can wait. Choose better.

Choose Better In Your Daily Routine

To choose better means always choosing Jesus first.

How often do you choose physical exercise over reading your Bible?

Or Netflix over prayer?

Choosing better means living out the gospel in our daily routine – choosing serving others in Jesus’ name.

Or those getting a head start on those dirty dishes over spending quality time with that family you invited over for dinner?

Or getting a few more work minutes in on your laptop instead of reading that book to your child?

Momma, I know you are worried and upset about many things, because I am too. But few things are needed—or indeed only one. Jesus first, always. Serving others in his name. Everything else comes after.

I know I can let go a little and choose better. What about you?

MORE RESOURCES FOR THE GOSPEL-CENTERED MOMMA

If you enjoyed this devotional, check out more Messy Tired Love’s devotionals here.

Check out our resources page for game-changing resources for the gospel-centered momma. All of the resources have been or are personally used by me (Kristina) and are among the best of the best: resources to dive deeper into your faith, children’s books and bibles, and parenting books.