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Today I am reminded of the day Jesus went to visit Martha and Mary. He went to their home, sat with them, teaching and sharing.

Two sisters, as different as day and night. Martha busied herself in the kitchen, cooking up a storm of food to serve Jesus and the disciples. Mary, on the other hand, sat at the feet of Jesus and listened, hanging on His every word.

Martha clearly gets annoyed by the lack of help she is getting from her sister. I would imagine she huffed and puffed. Maybe even banged a few things around in an effort to get Mary to come and assist her. All to no avail. Martha finally takes matters into her own hands and speaks up ….

“Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work?”

There was no way Jesus could miss the lone woman in a room full of men sitting at His feet. But Martha is not going to let it go …

“Tell her to come and help me.”

Martha is telling Jesus what to do now. But He remains unruffled, responding gently and lovingly, yet with correction …

“My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Jesus doesn’t criticize or command Mary to go help. He commends her for sitting and listening.

I can’t be too hard on Martha though, as so often distractions get in my way as well. They can even be good things.

Perhaps serving Jesus has even distracted me from being with Jesus.

And yet, He calls to me. To you as well.

The psalmist reminds me of the best manner to respond ….

My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” (Psalm 27:8, NLT)

Today I am praying for my response to be less like Martha and more like Mary.

Less distraction.

More attention.

“Lord, I am coming!”

Today I am joining … Thought Provoking Thursday and Woman 2 Woman and Everyday Jesus and Beloved Brews .