Associate Pastor's Page

Luke 10:40-42

Luk 10:40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

Martha, Martha, Martha...
There are a million reasons we don't get things done that we intend to be our focus. Take this "daily" update as an example! Life gets in the way. I've said that phrase more often than I'd like to admit. Be it losing contact with friends, failing to keep in touch with family, or even canceling on dinner plans; life gets in the way. But is that accurate?

If life were in the way, it would be an obstacle to overcome and not the precious gift of our Creator. Life is bustling and busy, certainly. Life is often overflowing with tasks and chores, errands and appointments, responsibilities and...squirrel! But what we put on our plate is a choice, most of the time.

We must take great care, though, that what we allow on our plate blesses our souls, fills our hearts, and allows an abundance of peace to fill the space anxiety would reside. Much of this comes from a place of positive perspective. What fills our plate with income is often seen as a burden, but in fact it is sustaining your life and, often, a family. Is that sustenance a burden or a blessing? If it is a blessing, then the job is as well.

Then there are the "side dishes" that we allow on our plate. Other's expectations, our own self-image, unnecessary obligations, and even tradition.

Martha focused on serving the Lord in a physical, worldly way but neglected to sit with Him, which caused a growing bitterness. Take time, today and every day, to sit with the Lord and listen. Make it a section of your plate that nothing else can touch. If there's no room, pray God will guide you in scraping something into the trash.

Let the Spirit of the Lord transform your "full plate" into an "overflowing cup"!