“When you said, “seek My face”, my heart said to you, ‘Your face, LORD, I seek “. (Psalm27:8)

When one of my daughters was little and still learning to read, she asked me to read books to her one afternoon. At first, I hesitated, wondering if I could “afford” that quiet, cuddling time in the middle of the day. I’m sure many moms understand what I mean 🙂 I was always busy picking things up, cleaning, or working—leaving little time for moments like this. Now, years later, I truly believe those moments are the most valuable and meaningful times spent with my children. So, I sat down next to Olivia on the sofa and enjoyed the next 20 to 30 minutes reading with her. When I finished, she looked at me and said in perfect Romanian, “Mami, când stai lângă mine, îmi vine să te iubesc și mai mult.” (Mommy, when you are close to me, I feel like loving you even more). The English translation doesn’t fully capture the depth of “îmi vine să”—it’s a love that wells up from within, stirred up simply by my presence.

It was independent of Olivia’s wishes. It was an expression of my love, shown in those few precious moments spent with her. I wasn’t sure who wanted to love more—her or me. With tears in my eyes, I returned to my vacuuming. I knew the longing in her heart had been fulfilled that day, yet I asked myself: when will I respond to the voice of God, who continually invites me to a deeper, more intimate fellowship with Him?

It is not the services I can offer Him, nor the good works born of strong faith that I know God welcomes; not even the deep belief in His omnipresence that guides our walk. Rather, it is the secret chamber of prayer where you ask for nothing but His presence—where you seek not what His hands can give, but simply behold His face, the One who transforms you, your daily tasks, and your weekly routines.

Why should I pay attention to David’s inspired psalm and seek Him out? Why does He invite me to worship and to seek His presence? Is it because my heart will become more receptive to understanding His principles and gaining wisdom for daily decisions? Could it be that He knows only a seed planted in a noble and good heart will patiently grow and yield lasting fruit?

We can only truly understand the condition of our hearts as it is reflected in His, just as Isaiah did when his beloved king passed away. Neither earthly ties nor priestly duties led him to a deeper understanding of God as much as the moment he saw the Lord. In that vision, Isaiah beheld God’s holiness, His majestic throne, and the seraphim praising Him with power and glory. It was then that Isaiah heard the voice of God asking for a messenger to His people: “Whom shall I send?”

What holds us back from worship? I cannot remember a single day in my life when I did not love Jesus. Yet, all my good works—whether raising my children, caring for my sick patients, or serving in the church—often felt burdened by a lack of genuine love, joy, and strength, which are essential for a truly life-giving ministry. Somewhere along the way, the focus shifted to mere duty instead of heartfelt devotion. My daughter, in the simplest and most innocent way, reminded me that to know my Lord more deeply, I must first realign my priorities—seeking His face and heart above all else—and only then serve Him through my other roles.

We need a world where the vital service of our busy Marthas is honored with humble hearts, inspired by the devoted example of the Marys. I am convinced that Christ never condemned Martha’s gift of hospitality; rather, He gently reminded her that Mary had chosen the better part. Mary understood that at His feet, we receive not only forgiveness but also cleansing—not just cleansing, but transformation. From that sacred time spent face to face with Him, a deeper relationship grows, just as God spoke to Moses as a friend (Exodus 33:11). This connection brings security, unwavering hope, and a flourishing faith in the One who loved us first and longs to draw us closer—until perhaps, like Peter, we ask for His enduring presence on the mountain (Luke 9:33).

What would His face reveal to us as we draw closer? There is an even deeper circle—one that John the Beloved experienced, one that gave Mary hope, and one that David longed for. Their part was the richest and most fulfilling. Theirs was the better part.

I invite you to make time for the Lord; over the years, I have learned it is the most precious offering you can give. When you feel His gentle call to prayer, to singing, to reading and meditating on His word, don’t glance around your room or circumstances, as I once did, wondering if you can ‘afford’ it. This is your better part. Christ will meet you there.

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me”.  (John 15:4)