Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Focus on what really matters
38 Now as they went on their way, (Jesus) entered a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him. 39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat at Jesus’s feet and listened to what he was saying. 40 But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her, then, to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things, 42 but few things are needed—indeed only one. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10: 38 – 42  
There aren’t many bible stories for which I truly feel a personal connection.  This one is the exception. Without a doubt, I would have reacted the way Martha did.  As I think back through my life (despite knowledge of this story), I was Martha time and time again.  As a full-time working mother, I too often took on the role of taskmaster and was so focused on keeping everyone fed, clothed, clean and completing homework or other daily duties, that I far too often missed the opportunity to truly enjoy the special moments occurring in the day.
Certainly, the message of this scripture is that we should remember to keep God and his teachings central in our lives and we definitely should.  I hope Jesus doesn’t mind that I am using it to also suggest that we should not get so caught up in daily life tasks that we miss, or fail to fully appreciate, the wonder of the relationships we have with our family and friends.  It is too late for me to get back those years during my children’s childhood, but I am trying to remember to relish the times I have with those most dear to me and to focus more on what God is calling on me to do with my time.
Dear God,
Help us to focus on your teachings and the relationships with which you bless us.  Guide us to avoid distractions and less important life tasks that steal our time and attention from life’s greater purpose. Amen.
Carla Rossi