Day 14 - The Better Part

The Teacher


One thing is needful. –Luke 10:42

The Invitation … Do Your Best
-Read the story of Martha found in Luke 10:38-42.

The Journey
-Remember who you are. What are you best at? What gift can you offer? How can that gift bring more joy to the people around you?
-Choose to give the better part today. Find one way that you can use your gift to serve someone else’s need.

My Experience …
During my mission, many years ago, Elder Tiechert used to say, “Remember who you are and don’t let it get you down.” I laugh just thinking about that phrase and all the goofy memories. That phrase, today, has taken on a different meaning. After reading the story of Mary and Martha, I realized that both women knew who they were. Martha, however, let it get her down. Martha had a great talent of serving people. I’m sure she would have been the image of a wonderful Relief Society President had it existed at that time. She served from sun up to sun down. What she probably didn’t realize was how important that service was to someone else and thus, she got down on herself and the talent she possessed. Mary on the other hand was a great listener and learner. She also knew who she was and took the time to develop that talent and share it others.

I think when Christ told Martha that Mary had chosen the better part he was implying that Mary was developing her talent. If Martha had recognized that her talent was one of service to others, she probably would not have asked the Master to tell Mary to help.

So, who am I? I have thought about what talents I have. I am a very loyal friend. I wouldn’t say that I have a lot of friends but those that I consider my friends, have my loyalty. I am learning to develop the art of friendship more. I hope that I can continue that. I would love to have a ton of friends, not just acquaintances. I would love to be kind of friend to others that Christ has become for me. I want to love the differences in people, not just tolerate them. I want to truly know them. I believe that I have a great capacity to love. I believe that Heavenly Father wants me to develop that talent. I hope I can. I know that as I learn to love people the way the Savior loves them joy will be in both lives. All will be edified.

I know who I am now and I am not going to let it get me down. I am going to develop the talent of loving others and be happy doing it. I am going to love others and myself the way that the Savior loves me. At least I am going to try to do that.