We’re thrilled to hear from Vicki Weimer this week! Take a moment and get to know a bit more about her on the contributors page.

“It’s the purposeful little movements that make the most difference,” she said, “and slowing them down to do them right.” This advice from my physical therapist stung my pride because I had been doing all the big exercises, like riding a stationary bike, lifting free weights, and stretching. Still, I couldn’t walk right after hurting my back. She showed me small, seemingly insignificant movements to practice. Lift a little here. Push a little there. Slide this. Move that. What I thought to be tiny, worthless exercises turned out to be quite challenging and painful. What a difference they made, though! While she meant her advice for physical therapy, her words reminded me that slowing down and being purposeful can also make a difference in my spiritual walk.

In Luke 10:38-42, the sisters Martha and Mary show us this lesson:

Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Martha focused on the seemingly important aspects of serving Jesus. She probably cooked, cleaned, and organized activities. If Martha were alive today, she probably would have led a Bible study, taught a Sunday school class, and run the church kitchen. Her Outlook task box would have all the boxes ticked. In contrast, Mary spent time getting to know Jesus. She probably listened to everything He said, smiled at those around Him, and asked Him questions. Today, Mary probably would not tick many task boxes for Jesus, but she might spend extra time studying God’s word, praying for a neighbor, or worshiping in music. Mary chose the needful, seemingly little spiritual movements. 

Slowing down and being purposeful in our spiritual walk can be challenging and painful, but walking right beats limping through life spiritually. Prioritizing our relationship with Jesus over the tasks that we do for Him will make all the difference in our spiritual walk. I hope to take the advice of my physical therapist to slow down, be purposeful, and walk right spiritually.