First Things First

Bible Reading: Luke 10:38-42; Philippians 4:6-7

“It’s Mom’s birthday!” Allie said as she hopped out of bed. Dad, Allie, and her twin sister, Zoey, had planned a surprise party for Mom. Allie grabbed her to-do list then headed to the kitchen where Dad was drinking his coffee.

“I have my list,” Allie said, holding it up. “After breakfast, I’ll get started.”

“Mom will be home at four. We have plenty of time,” Dad said. He put his empty mug into the dishwasher. “I’m going to cut the grass.”

Allie finished her cereal and then headed to the living room. She put everything in its place, then dusted and vacuumed. She stood back and admired her work. “Living room—perfect!” Allie checked it off her list.

On her way to clean the bathroom, Allie peeked into her sister’s bedroom. She saw Zoey sitting on her bed holding a book in her lap, and her eyes were shut. Allie gently closed the door. “Humph.”

Allie ran outside and found Dad pushing the lawnmower back into the garage. “Dad, I’ve been working while Zoey’s still in her room with a book in her lap and her eyes closed. It’s not fair! She’s not helping, Dad. Do something!”

Dad put an arm around her. “Allie, don’t worry. There’s plenty of time to get everything done before Mom gets home. Besides, Zoey got up before you and asked if she could spend time reading her Bible and praying before she started her list. I told her that was fine.”

“Oh,” Allie said quietly.

“You and I have been working hard, and that’s good. But what Zoey is doing is good too. Does this remind you of anyone in the Bible?”

Allie furrowed her brows. “Do you mean Martha and Mary?”

“What can you tell me about them?” asked Dad.

“Martha was busy making everything perfect for Jesus while Mary spent time with Jesus. Martha got upset about doing all the work alone. When she complained, Jesus said that Mary had chosen the best thing by being with Him.”

Dad nodded. “Jesus knew nothing Mary could be doing was more important than getting to know Him better.”

“Dad, I’m going to go spend some time with Jesus first, then finish my list,” Allie said.

“That’s a fine idea!” said Dad. “I think I’ll do the same.” • Lynda Boucher

How About You?

Do you spend time with Jesus each day? Or are you too busy trying to accomplish all the things you need to get done? It’s easy to get distracted by life’s details and lose focus of what’s really important—and nothing is more important than spending time with Jesus and getting to know Him better. Doing your work is good, but don’t neglect your relationship with Jesus. Make time to spend with Him.

Today’s Key Verse:
Luke 10:42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her. (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

Spend time with Jesus