Ecclesiastes 5:1 — Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.
Sometimes I could slap Mary’s sister Martha! I know I’m wrong … but there’s Martha running herself ragged and Mary is merrily enjoying her faith life and letting her get on with it. Martha seems a much more realistic model for most of us.
Does it seem to you, sometimes, that there’s an idealized view of how a Christian should live? Quiet time, devotions, practicing the presence all day long, separate time for Bible study, praying instantly, giving thanks in all things and for all things, evening devotions, church on Sunday and Wednesday and on any other special occasion, involvement in ministry … all this while pursuing a career and managing a full and productive family life and enjoying a rich leisure time! I’m reminded of a song — “The Ballad of John and Yoko.” Please don’t be offended by my use of it — you know I have no blasphemous intent, but sometimes these words do resonate with me: “Christ, you know it ain’t easy, You know how hard it can be, The way things are going, They’re gonna crucify me.”
Sometimes, in the middle of a long hard day at work in particular, I find myself forgetting to practice God’s presence. Sometimes, if I’ve had a late night or not slept really well I might struggle to focus during devotions. I can get distracted when I pray … you get the picture. I’m more of a “Martha” and less of a “Martha Stewart” when it comes to my faith life. Absolutely not the perfect poster child. I don’t think I’m the only one …
I know, you’re all feeling sorry for me. So what am I going to do about all of this? I know I’m not going to be able to fix this on my own! I’m going to need the help of the Holy Spirit — but I expect to have to help myself as well. There are some things I’m going to try — but I’d be really interested in knowing what some of you are doing to make sure you keep on track.
One thing I’m trying to do during the day is to slow down. I think that, when I go from task to task, without pause I risk getting off the path.
I’m going to negotiate with my sweetheart to take more long weekends, because I recall that when we’ve done it it has often helped me reset my spiritual engine.
I’m also working to improve my reading habits. Too much “worldly” stuff pollutes the mind (I do love a good mystery!).
There’s probably other things I need to do too. I don’t know what they are … but this whole business of being a better disciple is going to be part of my prayer focus for a while. Of course I don’t really want to slap Mary … “She has chosen what is better” … I just wish I could figure out how to be more like her!