Luke 10:38-42
38 Now as [Jesus and his disciples] went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’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 there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”
40 But Martha was distracted by her many tasks…
“Squirrel!”
In today’s fast-paced, data-heavy world, distraction has become a way of life. When was the last time you sat quietly? Every time I sit down, I reflexively grab my phone. When I’m at work, I’m usually listening to what my colleague is telling me with one ear, checking email messages on my computer, and listening for a message to come in on my phone with the other ear. This is what feels normal and comfortable. It may feel comfortable, but it isn’t healthy.
The story of the two sisters, Mary and Martha is about living a balanced life. Martha runs around distracted by all her “stuff”. Mary ignores all the “stuff” while she sits and listens to Jesus. Martha never hears what Jesus has to say, and Mary never gets anything done. Separately, they are both unhealthy. When we combine them into one person, that person is balanced.
A spiritually, mentally, and physically balanced life has a healthy combination of work and attention to our spiritual disciplines in each day. In monastic communities, this balance is called Hora et Labora (prayer and work).
The key to a healthy, balanced life is to remember that everything we say and do is an offering to God.
Prayer: Dear Jesus: Thank you for the blessing of quiet time with you and the privilege of working for the greater good. AMEN