Aba sat at her desk, staring at the endless list of tasks in her planner. Emails to respond to, deadlines to meet, meals to plan, laundry to fold, the demands of her life seemed to stretch on forever. She had always prided herself on being organized, productive, and dependable, but lately, it all felt like too much.
Her phone buzzed, and she glanced at the screen. It was a text from her mom:
“Haven’t talked to you in a while. Want to grab coffee sometime soon?”
Aba sighed. She wanted to say yes, but there simply wasn’t time. She had too much to do.
Aba’s life had become a blur of activity. She worked late into the evenings, juggled social obligations on the weekends, and rarely had time to take a breath. Her friends often joked about how busy she was, calling her “superwoman,” but the truth was, Aba felt like she was barely holding it together.
One evening, after finishing a particularly grueling project, Aba collapsed onto the couch. The house was eerily quiet. She looked around and realized that despite all her busyness, she felt strangely empty. She couldn’t remember the last time she had sat down to have a real conversation with her mom, spent quality time with a friend, or even done something she enjoyed.
Her life was full, but it didn’t feel meaningful.
A few days later, Aba got a call from her best friend, Sarah.
“I haven’t seen you in weeks,” Sarah said. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” Aba replied quickly. “Just busy, you know.”
Sarah paused, then said gently, “You always say that. But Em, when’s the last time you actually slowed down? You’re always doing, but are you okay with how you’re living?”
The question hit Aba like a ton of bricks. She had been so focused on staying productive and meeting everyone’s expectations that she hadn’t even thought about whether her priorities aligned with what truly mattered to her.
That evening, Aba reflected on Sarah’s words. She thought about all the things that filled her days, the tasks, the deadlines, the obligations. Many of them were important, but she realized she had been so busy doing that she had neglected simply being.
She remembered how her mom used to say, “You can always find time for what matters most.” But lately, Aba’s life felt like it was being driven by endless to-do lists instead of her values.
The next morning, Aba made a decision. She texted her boss to let him know she needed to take the afternoon off. Then she called her mom.
“Let’s grab that coffee,” she said, smiling for the first time in days.
At the coffee shop, Aba’s mom listened as she opened up about how overwhelmed she had been feeling.
“You know,” her mom said, “I went through something similar when I was younger. I was so busy trying to be everything for everyone that I forgot to take care of myself. But then I realized something: Life isn’t about doing it all. It’s about doing what matters.”
Her mom’s words stayed with her. Over the next few weeks, Aba began to make small but significant changes. She started saying no to commitments that didn’t align with her values. She set aside time each day to rest, reflect, and connect with loved ones. And instead of rushing through life, she began to approach each day with intention.
Aba’s story reflects the lesson of Luke 10:42. In life, we face countless demands on our time and energy, but not all of them are essential. Jesus’ words remind us to focus on what truly matters, the “one thing” that brings meaning and fulfillment.
Here’s how this applies to our everyday challenges:
- Busyness is Not the Same as Purpose
Like Aba, we often fill our days with activity, but that doesn’t mean we’re living with purpose. Take time to reflect on whether your actions align with your values. - It’s Okay to Say No
You don’t have to do everything. Prioritize the things that matter most your relationships, your health, your faith and let go of what doesn’t serve your purpose. - Presence is More Powerful Than Productivity
The moments you spend being present with loved ones, connecting with yourself, and seeking peace are far more valuable than checking off every item on your to-do list.
Over time, Aba found that her life became fuller, not with tasks, but with meaning. She spent more time with her mom, reconnected with friends, and even rediscovered hobbies she had long forgotten.
Her work didn’t suffer, either. In fact, she became more productive because she was no longer running on empty. She had learned to prioritize what truly mattered, and it made all the difference.
Aba’s life wasn’t perfect, but it was now purposeful.
May you find the courage to pause in the midst of life’s busyness and reflect on what truly matters. May you choose the “better” things, those that bring peace, purpose, and connection. And may you find joy in the moments that cannot be taken away.
“But one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:42
Heavenly Father, I’m often pulled in so many directions, trying to do it all and meet every expectation. Help me to pause and reflect on what truly matters. Teach me to choose what is better to prioritize time with You, my loved ones, and the things that bring lasting peace and joy. Thank You for reminding me that Your presence is the most valuable gift I can receive. In Jesus Name, Amen.
May you always choose what is better, finding peace and purpose in every season of your life!
