Worship begins with silence and listening. Luke 10

Today's reading is Luke 10.  What are you hearing from God?

Scripture:

Martha and Mary

³⁸ "Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. ³⁹ She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. ⁴⁰ But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, 'Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.' ⁴¹ But the Lord answered and said to her, 'Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; ⁴² but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.'”    ~ Luke 10.38-42

Observation:
As the oldest sibling, Martha has learned to take charge.  Here, she is extending hospitality, which was a social requirement of the day, and trying to prepare the meal and tend to the comfort of her guests.  She is so concerned with the details and checking things off her "to do" list, that she misses the time to worship Jesus right in her own home.

Application:
I can read this passage and replace Martha's name with my own.  Sad, but true.  I am a recovering perfectionist and control freak, and I can be too concerned with details to see the big picture of what is happening around me.  To follow Mary's lead, I  need to remember that worship begins with silence and listening.  Two characteristics I need to work on.  I get caught up in the busy-ness of life and details that I forget why I'm doing what I'm doing.

Prayer:
 Father... forgive me when I put busy-ness ahead of worshiping You.  Help me to recognize when I'm being a 'Martha,' so I can learn from my ways and change.  Thank you for accepting me for who I am and the patience to see my through these learning times.  Amen

Blessings,

     Ellen