Friday, March 19, 2010

Refocus Your Priorities

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken from her." -- Luke 10:41-42

Martha was whining. Jesus, His disciples and no telling how many other peple had come to town. They had to be fed. There was much to do and Martha was more than a little stressed out.

To make matters worse, Martha's sister Mary wasn't helping at all. She had parked herself at the Lord's feet and was listening to every word He said. So Martha went to Jesus and asked Him to make Mary help her. I guess she expected Him to do as she asked. Surprise!

We get so focused on all we "have" to do that we neglect the things that matter most. We're more focused on cleaning the house than reading a book to our child. We schedule a golf game to network with business associates rather than take a family trip to the park.

Our lives are so full of busyness. Sometimes it seems that the more conveniences we have, the more time we lose. We are always connected, always on call, always distracted.

I have learned where the off button is on most of my "comveniences." I've come to understand that I don't always have to be available to co-workers, that I really can survive without watching the latest hit television show and that the world doesn't end if my house needs a heavy dose of Pledge.

What is important? Spending time with the Lord, reading the Bible and praying. Listening and playing with the children in my world. Being patient and kind with older people.

God matters. People matter. Everything else is just stuff to fill our days.