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Stepping away from busyness to be present with God

I love to plan events. I love family parties, community parties, big events at work, you name it - let’s celebrate it!

Last week, my son turned 5 years old. We surprised him with a party and ran out in inflatable dinosaur costumes. It was so much fun. Family and friends came over. It seemed important to me that everyone was well served and stayed entertained. The party went right from the dinosaurs, to the food, to the piñata, to another game with prizes and ended with ice cream and presents. I can’t even remember if I sat down within those few hours, but I sure did sleep like a baby that night.

Do you ever find yourself so wrapped up in the busyness of life’s events or even through serving others? Sometimes I wonder what my first response would be if Jesus was at my door. Would I start cleaning? Would I rush to make a meal? I sure hope I would not put on my inflatable dinosaur costume again, but who knows! 

In Luke 10:38-42, Jesus visits Martha and her sister Mary in their home. Martha went to work right away to serve her guest, while Mary sat at the feet of Jesus, listening to him speak. 

“But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’” - Luke 10:40

Martha found herself doing all this work, trying to be the best host, while she saw her sister just sitting there. In the next verses, Jesus gently reminds Martha what to prioritize.  

“’Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed - or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’” - Luke 10:41-22

Martha was so caught up in her hospitality efforts when all Jesus wanted was for her to be present with him.  

The Lord loves those who serve. He wants us to work hard and be dedicated to helping others, but he never wants us to lose sight of our relationship with him in doing so. Just as Jesus would take time to be alone with the Lord and focus on his personal relationship with him, we need to be cautious to not allow the things we are working on for the Lord be the thing that keeps us from him. 

Will you take time today to sit before the Lord and just listen? 

"Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him." - Psalm 62:1

Written by Erin Ratcliffe, volunteer engagement coordinator in Houston, Texas.

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