TIME OUT

Most of you are familiar with the Bible story about Mary and Martha having Jesus over for dinner.  Martha was the older sister...she was "the boss"...she was "in charge."  She had lots-and-lots of things to DO--the shopping, prepare the meal, clean the house, set the table--everything had to be just right!

Mary, her younger sister, wasn't much help!  All she did was greet Jesus at the door, welcome Him in, and then she sat down with Him--leaving her sister alone in the kitchen to "stew" and "burn" all by herself!  Martha's really getting "steamed-up" (like boiling water in a teakettle)--and she BLOWS!!!   In her anger she spurts out harsh words at both her sister and Jesus: 

"Don't you care (about me)?  See how hard I'm working...I have so much to do!  And you're not helping me one bit, Mary.  You've left me all alone to do all the work.  Jesus, tell her to get her butt in here and help me!"

I think Jesus might've responded with something like this:  "Martha, you're missing the point!  You are too DISTRACTED with all your DUTIES.  Put down what you're DOING and come BE with Me.  Come and sit a while and spend some time with Me.  Dinner can wait.  You need a time out!"  [Paraphrased from Luke 10:38-42]

Maybe Jesus asked Mary to relieve Martha from her kitchen duties and finish the dinner for her so she could spend some quality time with Him.

What about you  Are you too DISTRACTED with too many DUTIES; therefore, not having any time or energy left to be with Jesus?  Are you putting THINGS first instead of your relationship with Him?  Is your life too cluttered with tasks and self-imposed expectations?  Are you taking on more than you can handle?  It may be time to slow down and regroup.  You may need A TIME OUT!!!