Busy FOR Jesus isn’t the same as being WITH Jesus.

Reflecting on the story of Mary and Martha from Luke 10:38-42, I’ve often found myself caught in the same struggle—confusing activity for true spiritual connection. Martha’s busyness in preparing and serving made her forget the essence of Jesus’ visit, while Mary’s choice to sit quietly at His feet resonated with what really matters: presence. In my own experiences, I noticed that when I focus solely on doing things for God, I can get overwhelmed, distracted, and lose sight of spiritual peace. It’s easy to mistake nonstop action and tasks as dedication, but without time spent deliberately with Jesus, our efforts can feel empty or exhausting. The gentle reminder Jesus gave Martha—that listening and being with Him is ‘the better part’—rings true in today’s fast-paced world. Prioritizing time with God helps root our actions in love instead of obligation. When I slow down and cultivate this quiet closeness, my service naturally flows with joy and clarity. This balance is vital: ensuring our service for others stems from a place of intimate relationship with Jesus. It transforms routine acts into meaningful devotion so that busyness doesn’t steal the peace meant to be found in His presence. Taking moments each day to pause and listen can nurture this connection and shape how we live out our faith effectively and lovingly. In short, it’s not about how much we do for Jesus, but how much time we spend being with Him that truly counts.