Can’t we fix this? Surely there is something we can do. Quoting, “I can do all things through Christ,” we turn around and live like it all depends on us. Maybe we should just settle down and choose the better thing.
Sitting back and waiting is not coded in my DNA, probably not yours either. Doing is easier than being. Honestly, as a whole we are all terrible at being; not terrible beings but terrible AT being. Crossing items off the never ending to-do list is so satisfying, but we ought to think about making not-to-do lists.
I will not react, or criticize, or argue. Instead, I will be….
“Be” is my word for 2020. Every Thursday on my Facebook page, I post my to-be list. Geez, I had no idea when I started that be home would be on my list. This week, it was actually be seated.
Choose the better thing
One of the things I miss most right now is entertaining. Few things make me happier than a house full of company. Like Martha, I welcome people into my home.
“a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home.” Luke 10:38 (NLT)
There is a slight possibility I make Martha look like an underachiever.
“but Martha was distracted by a big dinner she was preparing.” Luke 10:40 (NLT)
Not only would there be a big dinner, but a table set with dishes and decor for the occasion, along with appetizers, coffee and dessert. Distracted isn’t the half of it, if Jesus was coming, I’d be slinging stuff around the house like an octopus juggling. I get the feeling Martha and I thrive on busyness. You too?
Most of us want to handle it all, control it all and make it happen, on our terms and on our schedule. Now here’s the thing, those of us who like to do it all want the rest of you to do it with us. In fact, maybe if we mention what the slackers aren’t doing, the Lord will notice our, ahem, service.
“Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come help me.” Luke 10:40b (NLT)
Choose be over do
“Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught.” Luke 10:39a (NLT)
Seems like she volunteered for this job. Not me, II had a forced year of Sabbath rest. I didn’t choose it, but then again I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t trade it. Getting still and quiet put me in a place to surrender control, because really, that’s what it’s about anyway.
Fixing all that’s wrong in the world is a big job to do alone, so we send out invites to the crazy place in our heads. We demand a solution to every inconvenience and discomfort, when what we ought to do is sit down and choose the better thing.
When my life turned inside out and my guts were on the floor, I realized I couldn’t fix it. So, I saw a counselor and guess what, I was right, I couldn’t. Ironically, admitting that takes a big ol’ weight off my shoulders. When there’s nothing you can do about it, sit down and listen.
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