find what’s best

It’s nearly noon on a Friday. I’m just completely weary. Without much sleep last night, our little guy erupted into random meltdowns all morning.

After a failed attempt at a Barnes and Noble train table visit (one of my favorite things to do, since he loves it and I don’t have to chase him), during which he only wanted to go see the big train that chugs around the mall that you have to pay a ridiculous price to ride, I scoot him back to the car and start driving home.

Jonny Diaz’s “Just Breathe” comes on the radio. I love this song partially because my little guy sings along with the chorus, which is adorable. But also for these lines in particular: So let your weary spirit rest; lay down what’s good and find what’s best.

On this Friday, it reminds me of the “Martha and Mary” verse, Luke 10:38-42. It’s basically the story of two sisters who invite Jesus over for dinner. Martha spends the whole time working to make for a wonderful, hospitable dinner, and Mary opts to sit by Jesus and listen to him teach. In verse 42, Jesus commends Mary for having “chosen what is better” (NIV); or as the NET version says, she “has chosen the best part”.

Martha had a lot of good she wanted to do. She wanted to be a good host, to cook a good dinner, to have a good, clean house. She wanted to honor Jesus. But of course, trying to attain all of these things led her to stress, frustration with Mary, and nearly missing the whole point.

This happens at any stage of life. There are so many things to pursue that are good!

With my kids, I want to be a good mom, and that can mean a lot of things. I want to be good at teaching him to respect others and himself. I want to be good at setting boundaries and saying no when needed. I want to be a “good stay-at-home mom” and take him to do lots of fun things. I want to him to have a good education. I want him to eat a good, healthy meal three times a day. I want him to have all the good things his little heart desires. Even the trash can he so badly wanted at Target.

But there are so many times where trying to grab at all the good things just leaves me frustrated and exhausted. And at that perfect moment, a meltdown happens (on his end or mine). On this Friday, at this moment, I’m ready to lay down what’s good and find what’s best.

Good things can be many; what’s best is just one thing. Good things tend to mean depending on the opinions of many people; what’s best depends on just one opinion. There are a lot of good things I can do in life, but the best thing I can do is stay close to God. He promises when we do seek him first, the good things will follow (Matthew 6:33).

So whether you’re trying to be a good parent, a good spouse, a good friend, a good church member, good at your career, a good student, etc. – all of these are noble pursuits. But I hope you don’t get overwhelmed with all the good you want to do or be. Find what’s best (and let God do the rest).

What are good things you might set aside today? How could you seek God more than all the good things?