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Do you take notes? I admit I am a note-taker. I took notes in school and still take them in Bible Study, and during the sermon, and sometimes during a phone call. A stenopad might be seen on my counter so that it is always handy.
As I prepare for vacation, I began to realize I even keep lists at times. It’s not a “to-do” list but more of a “don’t forget” list.
In the midst of jotting down some vacation notes, I paused to think about two women in the Bible. They were sisters who displayed different qualities. Qualities worth taking note of, and yes, the pun was intended.
I imagine Martha would have been a note-taker and a list-maker. Her home was the place to which Jesus came to eat. She obviously had the gift of hospitality and exercised it well.
There was just one problem. Scripture tells us she was a woman who became distracted by her list.
“But Martha was distracted with all her preparations.”
(Luke 10:40a, NASB)
Martha had her thoughts turned away from her guest of honor, Jesus, and became unable to give Him her attention. She was overwhelmed by her list of things which she had yet to do.
Jesus even tells her what her to-do list had actually produced:
“Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things.”
(verse 41, NASB)
Our lists can seemingly grow out of control causing us to not only be distracted, but to also become anxious and worried.
We lose sight of the most important part of life.
Mary, Martha’s sister, also knew what needed to be done. Yet rather than get caught up with all the preparations, she took the time to sit and listen to Jesus as He was teaching.
Jesus commends her for pausing:
“Only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part,
which shall not be taken away from her.”
(verse 42, NASB)
We need to know when to stop, be still, and listen for the voice of our Lord.
In our busyness, we can miss His still small voice.
Let’s know when to lay our lists aside.
Reflection:
Are you a note-taker or list-maker? How do you break away from constantly doing the next thing?
Image by Borko Manigoda from Pixabay
This is timely as my oldest son is coming in a couple of weeks, and I am already stressing a bit over everything I would like to get done beforehand. I've had to learn to leave myself a margin, or else I am in no shape to actually enjoy someone's visit. Being present with them is much more important than chasing dust bunnies--though I hope to eliminate as many as possible. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing the details we can so stress over. May you pace yourself in all your preparations and enjoy every minute of the visit!
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