Out of Pocket

So sorry! I have been out of pocket for a number of reasons recently, most good reasons! I've been recovering from surgery, and though I thought I'd have tons of time to get things done . . . like blogging . . . I found that the days were filled with way too many distractions. FYI: I've been so very blessed. My hysterectomy recovery has been incredibly good, and I am already back at work, which brings me to today's thoughts.

I have enjoyed this summer for myriad reasons, not the least of which has been that I've had to sit still and enjoy it . . . yes, be still. That's so hard for me, but I learned how to do it at least a little better than in the past, and it reminded me that God tells us to sit still. We read in the New Testament about Mary who sat at the feet of Jesus, while Martha prepared the meal. Well, we who usually feel like Martha sometimes get frustrated with Mary. I mean, really! It must be nice to sit while the meal is fixed and the house is cleaned, but Jesus reminds us that Mary chose the better thing. Sitting still at His feet. We also read in scripture that we are to "be still," and know God. In the Message, I believe it says, "Step out of the traffic." Don't you like that idea? This surgery has surely forced me to step out of the traffic of life, slowing down and doing more watching than driving, both literally and figuratively. Stepping out of the traffic also makes me think of getting out of the way of a pace that often goes so fast that we can't think carefully or make wise decisions. Sometimes it's hard to step out of the traffic and slow down, isn't it? But God expects us to find a way.

I started back to school yesterday, and in the words of my dear friend, Jean, this mission of ours owns us from early August to early June. It eats our hours, our mental energy, and our physical stamina; we go in early, stay late, and take work home on weekends and children's problems home in our hearts. We watch ballgames, meet with parents, and spend time planning for tomorrow . . . always planning for tomorrow. Last year I promised myself that school would definitely not eat away all of my hours, but my dedication to my career and the children I love changed that. So how do we find a balance? How do we "step out of the traffic," and sit still at the feet of Jesus when life is rushing all around us? Well, we make choices. For me, it means getting up earlier to spend time with God. It means using my commute to listen to Christian podcasts and K-Love radio. It means writing and studying at night instead of staring at TV. It means choosing to be in charge of my life, and like Mary, I am going to choose to sit still at the feet of Jesus.

My prayer for your days is that you will choose the better part; join me in choosing Jesus.