Clay in the Hands

This morning, I arrived early for my regular Thursday breakfast meeting at the historic Town and Country Cafe.  I try to arrive early each week to have time to sip some coffee and read a bit before the guys I am meeting show up.

Today, part of my morning reading came from Luke 10 and the story of the disagreement between Mary and Martha over who was dong the majority of the work in preparation for hosting guests.  I read the story of Martha’s complaint and Jesus’ response.  It is a familiar story in which Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus, learning from him.  Martha was busy trying to get things ready to serve the guests.  Martha, frustrated that she was doing all the work, finally approached Jesus to complain.

Jesus used the opportunity as a teaching moment in which he illustrated the importance of priorities.  He pointed out that what was more important was the relationship and not the preparations.  The word that caught my attention in the story is “distracted.”  The Greek word translated here can be understood as covered over or consumed with worry.

As I sat and pondered the idea of Mary’s frustration, I watched the waitresses in the restaurant serve the patrons.  I noticed the light hearted back and forth exchanges between the frequent customers and their familiar server.  I thought about what the picture might be if the waitress was consumed to the point of being overwhelmed with the task of serving.  The result of a situation like that often leaves the customer feeling like they are more of a burden and nuisance than a patron.

How often are we consumed with our schedules and tasks to the point that those we serve feel they are a burden to us – just one more responsibility?

Jesus reminded Martha that she shouldn’t be so concerned about all the peripheral distractions when there is really only one real need.

When it comes to service, there is always a job to do, but when the “job” takes precedent over the relationship, then we have missed the point.  So today, as you go through your busy schedule – don’t forget to love the person in front of you.  Take time to see the people not just the task.

Be a blessing today!