Distractions, distractions, distractions and, Oh, what is needed.

Scripture Verses that Caught my attention today: Luke 10:41-42 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; 42 there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Observation: Distractions are everywhere. It takes real diligence to avoid them.

Application: Working/Middle-class Americans live in one of the most distracted societies in all of history. Communication technologies alone have exponentially increased the challenge of trying to remain focused, let alone the distractions that come with ever more multi-faceted work and home responsibilities. Looking back, it would seem that Martha had it easy!

Still every age and, indeed, every day, brings distractions of its own. It’s a daily battle, if we’re willing to engage in it.

There are all kinds of ‘techniques’ for managing these distractions. For example, we can set our e-mail preferences so that we manually check for new e-mail on our own timeline, preferably not till early afternoon or at set times of the day rather than allowing ourselves to be constantly distracted by new e-mails arriving at any moment. We can get up earlier and try to plan our days while it is still dark and our houses and/or places of work might still be quiet. We can go to time-management seminars and the like and pick up some very practical tips.

Still, it seems at the heart of all distractions is a lack of appreciation for the gift already be before us—be it a person or a task or an opportunity. But it’s not always easy to know what we’re really dealing with. Distractions are sometimes a form of ministry in disguise. On the other hand, sometimes what we see as ministry is merely a distraction in disguise. It takes a lot of wisdom to know the difference.

Or maybe just thoughtful intention.

Jesus said, “Mary has chosen the better part…”

As Lutherans we rightfully are a little squeamish about putting too much stock in our choices. We believe that God chooses us, rather than the other way around. But when confronted with a plethora of options, it appears that we can sift through and choose the better part. Such choosing will not always (if ever!) be easy. But it will likely begin with an understanding that somewhere in the thick of all that life throws at us will be something worth holding onto for dear life.

Prayer: Lord, help us to choose more wisely and intentionally whatever is truly needed whenever we can. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(Readings today included: Genesis 25-26, Psalm 6, and Luke 10)