Fussing

The Master said, “Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it……” 

Luke 10:42    from Eugene Peterson’s The Message

Martha and Mary               JesusMafa - Cameroon

On Sunday, another of Luke’s perennial favorites, the story of Martha and Mary. Many of us have self-effacingly called ourselves “Martha” from time to time – and many preachers have extolled the virtues of aspiring to be like Mary – but the essential message of this charming tale is in how it speaks to perspective.

Most of us have responded as both Martha and Mary in different situations. There are times when we are busy and fussing and overwhelmed – and there are times when we are calm and intentional and focused. Each of us can exhibit both.  Jesus reminds us that focus and calm is the better way to attend to life.  

Frazzled nerves, hypertension, and nervous activity only exhaust and distract us, but if we bring God into  our daily tasks, the journey will be easier and more life affirming. How might we attend to mowing the lawn, preparing the meals, and preparing spreadsheets in ways that might honor Christ’s presence with us?  

We have choices.