Distraction.

The other day I was chatting with someone about the    
Martha / Mary scenario.....   
Mary at the feet of Jesus listening.....    
not helping Martha cook and clean.   
Martha is 'ticked' and asks (tells?) Jesus to get Mary to help her.   
Jesus says, 'no, she has chosen better and it won't be taken from her.'   
Luke 10:38-42     

In that conversation the person asked me, 'So... who is supposed to make the meals and look after the guests and the family.... if we all sit around at the feet of Jesus?'

Hmm... Good question.

Just re read the passage this morning.
There seems to be another issue.
The problem wasn't about doing work or asking for help
but the issue is described as
distraction, encumberment, being 'too busy'.......
Martha's problem wasn't work
but being 'consumed' by work

Before this Jesus told the parable of the seed.
One of the reasons for lack of fruit was the 'weeds'
The worries of this world choking out the Word of God. Luke 8:14

Jesus didn't have that conversation with Martha
but He called her attention to the things that matter...
Really matter.
Food, clean house, even having a house is a temporary and relatively minor issue.
Relationship with Jesus is the deal.
everything else is pale in comparison.....

Sooo..... How do I get the dishes done, the laundry, the job to pay the bills...?

Distraction is the real issue.
Are they distracting me from LIFE. Jesus?
Are they becoming the means and the 'end'?
or am I
aware of,
communicating with,
Jesus in the midst of those (necessary) things in my life?

and sometimes, I am beginning to realize it means actually stopping
texting, talking, etc.
and giving Jesus my full attention.

2Thes 5:17 - Paul tells me to pray continually.
- Not with hands folded and eyes closed....
but doing life with an awareness and expectation that
I and Jesus are talking, listening, caring.....  whatever is going on.

Lord Jesus,
You want my heart.
and even stopping doesn't necessarily mean I look to You.
You want my attention.

Present to this moment....
my awareness
my conversation
my listening....

For that is
better.
than being
      worried
and
           uptight
and
                  distracted.

Yes.

That is
Better.

PJ