April 3
Luke 10:38-42
At the Home of Martha and Mary
REFLECTION
Distractions are not always unwanted. We may need them to help cope with difficult emotional issues. To take our minds off things. To cheer us up. To help us relax. However unwanted distractions get in the way of what is important in our lives. Martha was a worrier. She was scurrying around, making sure everything was in place. That there was enough food and drink. She didn’t want to leave anything to chance. Does that sound familiar? In all that intensity she was obviously snappy and intolerant. Not really showing off her best side. She was probably wanting to make a good first impression. Here was this famous teacher and healer coming to her house. She wanted him to see her and her home at its best. Many of us can identify with Martha and sympathise with her dilemma.
The long list of duties which a church steward must perform before a service can be less than conducive to participating in worship. Leading worship, making sure that everything is in place, that everyone knows what they are doing, checking sound systems, laptop connections are working, can leave me less than tolerant when people approach me before the service. I have not always succeeded in smiling and engaging in conversation but rather have been distant with a growing irritation inside. We have to ask ourselves which is more important, the person or the action we are engaged in. For me it is the manner in which we deal with people which is important. Politeness rather than intolerant indifference or snappy retort is far better way of dealing with the situation.
We too want to make a good impression on those whom we meet for the first time. Whether that is at a job interview, meeting new colleagues, meeting future family we want them to think well of us. However, we say more about ourselves if we present a false image of who we are or what we represent. We should present our authentic selves with honesty and humility. Jesus saw people for who they were. He saw behind the façade people presented and saw directly into their heart and soul. There is no hiding from God what is within us.
QUESTIONS
- Are you easily distracted? What are your main distractions?
- Are you an overthinker?
- What are your main worries at the moment?
- Do you worry unnecessarily?
- How do you react to distractions from others?
- How important is it to you to make a good impression?
- What image do you portray?
