In the midst of this messy dorm room, surrounded by dishes and leftover cake crumbs and scattered coffee mugs, in the midst of a to-do list that never got accomplished, have I ever felt more satisfied. The Lord is here. The presence of the Holy Spirit is in this place, and it is evident in the laughter that bounces off the walls and the sobs of brokenness that cry out for help. It is seen in the transformation of people’s lives and the renewal of weary spirits. It is the special mark of true fellowship, a band of sisters sharing life and learning and hoping and trusting the Lord and each other. It is the joy of my heart to look across the couch and see two of my sisters spurring each other on in love and encouragement. It’s tastier than the best meal. It’s more desirable than the most precious of possessions. It’s more relaxing than a good vacation or afternoon nap. It’s more serene than a peaceful pond on a foggy Sunday morning. It is Christ.
“And Jesus answered, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.’” (Luke 10:41-42).
One thing. That’s all it is. Plop me in the desert. Ship me to Japan. Fly me to Broadway. All I need is the one thing. All I need is Jesus.
To sit at his feet captivated by the very words He speaks. To discover the inflections of His voice and the lessons from His life. To question and ponder and grow. To be broken and to be restored to wholeness again. To be dead and revived to life. To worship with a humble heart and a reverent posture. To hear, really hear the Lord.
“One thing I have desired of the Lord,
That will I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord,
All the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the Lord,
And to inquire in His temple.” (Psalm 27:4)
