I had the girls for a few days. The weather was so beautiful, we decided to take a walk – Jocelyn strapped into the little red buggy car and Sophia would ride her scooter. We crossed the street so as to make use of the sidewalk which only lines one side of our street, and off we went.
It wasn’t long before I realized Sophia was having some difficulty as she kept crashing into the stone walls or bushes. She soon learned to jump off her scooter to avoid getting hurt, so I figured I would offer her a little advice:
Me: “Sophia, if you slow down a little bit, you will be better able to steer.”
Sophia: “Mimi, it is hard. I just can’t do it.”
Since I knew she was able to steer her bike just fine, I continued:
Me: “It is just like steering your bike.”
We were now at a standstill on the sidewalk, deep in conversation. Sophia shared her insight that there was a distinct difference between bike riding and the scooter. I was given a crash course on the motion one’s legs make as they ride a bike versus the scooter.
And then came this:
Sophia: “Mimi, would you rather I steer or go fast because I cannot do both.”
I have laughed as I thought about our excursion. And then this morning, I read of the time Jesus went to the home of Martha for a visit. A problem, similar to that of Sophia, aroseΓΒ …
Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. (Luke 10: 39-40a, NLT)
Martha was doing what was expected of women in that day – she was being hospitable. Mary, on the other hand, was sitting and listening to every word Jesus was speaking. Martha faced the same problem as Sophia.
She was unable to do two things at once.
We live in a time when the ability to multitask is admired. I wonder at our ability to do multiple things at the same time and do them all well.
Martha was distracted. She was unable to to hear while serving. Her desire to both serve and spend time with Jesus caused her to feel divided inside. She might have (hypothetically) said:
“Lord, I can serve you all a good meal or sit and listen to You but I cannot do both.”
Martha was distracted from listening. She probably could hear Jesus talking but she was not listening as her thoughts turned to the tasks she needed to do.
And don’t we all do the same thing?
- We hear our kids asking us questions.
- We can hear the news on the TV.
- We can hear the sermon.
- We hear the background noise as we shop in a store.
We hear the words but truly are not absorbing the depth of what is being said.
Whereas when we truly listen, we are understanding what is being heard and we respond. When we listen, not just hear, somehow, we are moved to action or a reaction.
I have no doubt Sophia will come to the place where she will be able to steer and go fast.
And I pray I will listen with understanding. I want to listen, absorbing what I hear so that I will be changed. May His Words sink deep into our hearts, rooting firmly so that we will not be shaken when the winds blow.
May we listen with intent and not be distracted.
(image from Wikipedia Commons/public domain)
Today I am joining … Testimony Tues. and Soli Deo Gloria and Unite and Playdates With God and Titus 2 Tues. and Tell Me a Story and Teaching What is Good and Titus 2sday .
I’m always learning something when caring for my grandchildren! You’re right. There’s so much vying for our attention nowadays, and we’re expected to do everything and do it well, but only One thing is needed.
On any given day, we are pulled in more directions than we can possibly go. I know, for me, I need less, not more, on my plate each day. Have a great Tuesday!
So true! We are pulled in so many directions and honestly can’t do all things all the time. Thanks for the reminder to slow down and choose the things that are most valuable.
I remember hearing Beth Moore exhort for us to find the one thing the Lord would have us to do & do that one thing well & to the glory of God. She is a wise woman that Beth Moore π By the way, you put up a great post today!
I am not very good at multi-tasking. My husband says I can’t work and talk at the same time, and he is probably right. Your granddaughter is so sweet to inform you of her thoughts on the situation. Thank you for sharing your wonderful post with us here at βTell Me a Story.βΒ http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/
My husband says I can’t drive & talk, so I am right with you π I love the lessons I learn as I converse with my granddaughter. Thank you for having us all over at your site so faithfully each week! Blessings!
Thank you Joanne for the reminder that more is not necessarily better. I find myself too many times trying to multi-task and even though I think I am great at it in reality I’m doing more things somewhat well. I love that you used the story of your granddaughter to illustrate how pertinent it is to slow down and truly listen and absorb all that is happening around us. Blessings, Mary!
Mary – I continue to be amazed at all God teaches me through my granddaughters. Thank you for blessings me with your visit here. Have a great Wed.!
ah we can learn so much from those little ones. Yes to listen without distraction. something I so need to work on. Thank you Joanne.
I think we all need to learn to listen without distraction. With the many things which vie for our attention, it becomes increasingly more difficult. I am realizing, I must become intentional in my listening. Great to share with you, Jean!
So well said. With distractions all around, thank you for the reminder out of the mouths of Babes…Steer or Speed? Cute. π
It’s amazing how thought provoking their statements can be. Thank you for stopping & sharing with me. Have a great weekend!