Sometimes making decisions is like playing the “Would You Rather?” game.
When I substitute teach, I always have the book in tow. My elementary school students laugh as we read through some of the questions during a brain break.
Some scenarios are downright silly.
“Would you rather have constantly dry eyes or a constant runny nose?”
“Would you rather be compelled to high five everyone you meet or be compelled to give wedgies to anyone in a green shirt?”
Um. Neither?
But that answer isn’t accepted. A choice must be made. That’s not so hard when the scenario is obviously fictional.
What do you do when your reality is staring you in the face?
You assume a position and know that God is meeting you where you are.
38 Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. 40 But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” (Luke 10)
Mary risked a lot. Hospitality in middle eastern culture has always been central to its identity. Furthermore. Jesus was not only a friend but rumored to be more than that. How long did she ponder the social implications of bailing on that expectation? Certainly tension would have coursed through her veins. It’s one thing to be criticized by your “village.” It’s another thing to be scorned by family. Especially your sister.
Yet, she made a choice. A counter cultural one And Jesus met her in it.
“41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; 42 there is need of only one thing.[l] Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10)
Both options appeared “good.”. But one seemed better.
And Jesus met her in it. Truthfully Jesus would have met her in either. But this one led to finding the nourishment Jesus offered her.
“One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it’s the main course, and won’t be taken from her.” (Luke 10:42, the Message)
Making choices isn’t always easy. But sometimes we have to take risks. And realize that, despite how it looks to others, we have chosen to feast off the main course.
What are the “would you rather” questions you are facing?
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What a great reminder! I often struggle with making the better choice even with writing and reading. How can I be part of the main course with how I spend my time daily. This is a good place to start. Thanks for posting!
That game is so fun! I love where you went with this post friend. I’m in the 30 spot this week.
Dealing with cancer, my mantra is, “Well, it could be worse. I could be slow, soft and ugly.”
we have some of those “make a choice” questions too… and yes, they are fun. a good reminder to make the better choice.
Mmmmm. This is good stuff.
“Would you rather be a ‘successful’ author or write what’s true?” Those two things aren’t mutually exclusive, of course, but last year I experienced the very real consequences of speaking/writing out on things that people would rather ignore. And it’s tempting to fade away and let the loud voices drown me out. But, like Mary, I want to be close to my Teacher. I want to hear what He says and live it out.