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“I was heading back from Grangerville the other day,” Stan began, “and I got stuck in some real stop-and-go traffic. Road construction.”
“That can be real frustrating,” I responded.
“It certainly can be, but this time it wasn’t because I took the opportunity to focus on something I had read in Luke’s gospel that morning.”
“What was that?” I asked.
“The story about the two sisters, Mary and Martha, and the time Jesus came for a visit.”
Continuing, Stan said, “Martha was hurrying around getting everything in order for Jesus, while Mary was sitting with Jesus listening to what He had to say.”
“Eventually Martha got frustrated and asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her with all of the preparations.”
“I remember that story,” I responded. “Didn’t Jesus tell Martha, in essence, to quit worrying about all of the preparations and to leave Mary alone?”
“That,” Stan replied, “is kind of how I see it, but I think that if there would have been further conversation recorded, Jesus would have gone on to say that there has to be a balance.”
“A balance in what?” I asked.
“Stopping and going,” Stan replied. “I think that it cannot be all one without the other.”
“If I spend all of my time trying to serve Jesus without stopping to spend time with Him to hear what is on His mind and heart, I am on the wrong track.”
“Also,” Stan continued, “if I spend all of my time sitting and listening to Jesus without ever getting up and doing what He has for me to do, I am equally on a wrong track.”
“As with much, if not everything,” Stan said, “there has to be a balance.”
Concluding, he said, “It can’t be all stop and no go. And it can’t be all go with no stop. What I try to do is to stop, spend the time with Jesus to hear what He has to say, and then get up and go, but to make sure I am not going on my own, but I am only going in and with Him.”
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But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only a few things are necessary, really only one, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her. Luke 10:41, 42.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that you want me to spend time with you, listening while you tell me what is on your heart and mind. I confess that too often I do not do that. Please forgive me. And thank you that you show me what it is you have for me to do in obedience to what you tell and show me. I also confess that too often I do not do that either. Please forgive me. I know there is a balance between listening and doing, stopping and going. Please help me with stopping to hear you, and in going in obedience. But most importantly, please help me to never go without being in and with you in that going. I believe it is a balance you want and have for me. I need your help. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Waiting for the Train 