Busyness limits relationship – 28 November 2008

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.  She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said.  But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.  She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself?  Tell her to help me!"

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."  Luke 10:38-42 [NIV]

After leaving university, I spent six weeks working for Tear Fund in Kenya on one of their short-term experience programs.  It was an amazing experience as we worked together with our African hosts to build a large stone water tank for storing rainwater collected from a school roof.  It was very satisfying to complete the project, and see it working, but I think my main memories are of strong friendships that were built up.  People who have been to visit the project St Matthew’s support in Beira, Mozambique, will testify to the slower pace of life in Africa.  African time can be frustrating for those of us from the West, as things seem to take longer and don’t run with maximum efficiency. Yet, this has the benefit of allowing time to talk to people, be with them and get to know them on a deeper level.

It is so easy to get bound up with the “doing” in our ministry that we forget that life is about relationship.  Martha obviously got the balance wrong in her friendship with Jesus.

Why not take time out to chat to someone today, or invite someone round for a meal and get them to cook it with you and talk in the kitchen!