In the Bible, there is a story about two women, Mary and Martha, that have Jesus as a guest in their home. Martha is so concerned about the work that needs to be done that she does not take time to simply listen to and worship Jesus. Mary, on the other hand, sits at Jesus’ feet and listens to Him. Martha asks Jesus why she doesn’t care that Mary is not helping her and Jesus simply tells Martha that “few things are needed -- or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better and it should not be taken away from her.”

Whether you’re a Christian or not, there is a very important lesson you can learn from this story. As a culture, we are always focused on time. Get up at seven, be in class or at work at eight, leave work or school at five, grab dinner, go to sleep, and do it all over again the next day. We can get so consumed with the routine tasks of life that we forget to “stop and smell the roses.” We forget about the little things, whether it’s holding the door open for someone or being humble enough to put our schedules on hold to be there for someone that needs us.

Biblically speaking, this story speaks to Christians to tell us about all of the opportunities that we miss each and every day. Opportunities to stop and listen to the Holy Spirit. Opportunities to stop and serve others. He is constantly speaking to us in a still small voice and we miss so many of these opportunities by getting caught up in the routine of daily life.

Personally, being a Mary who is willing to stop what she is doing and listen to the Holy Spirit is such a challenge. As someone that is involved in five campus organizations, holds two jobs, and is taking 15 credit hours, my schedule is jammed pack. My Google calendar rarely ever has any blank spaces on it and this is partially because I thrive under pressure. However, I have come to realize that maybe I have taken on a little too much.

Just the other day, some girls from my Bible study approached me about my attendance. I always have one excuse or the other: I have a commitment with my sorority or I have homework. But when I sit back and think about it, Jesus should be my priority. Is it okay to miss Bible study every once in awhile? Yes. But is it okay to constantly put Jesus on the backburner? Absolutely not.

Jesus deserves to be in the center of everything I do. I know that He gives me opportunities to serve Him and He speaks to me daily, and that if I am willing to stop what I am doing, as Mary did, I will have the only One thing that I need, all the rest can wait.

My challenge to you, and to myself is this: stop and smell the roses. Pay attention to the needs of those around you. You will be amazed at how your perspective, and your life changes.