The Gift of Presence
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42 (NIV)
Completely spaced out, I was on the phone with one of my kids as I continued to type on the keyboard, organizing things for the holidays. I tend to forget things if I close them, so I have this bad habit of keeping multiple tabs open as I search for presents, recipes, and planning documents.
Sorry, hon, what did you say?
I apologized for not being present and allowing the busyness of the holiday season to take over.
My husband tells me I'm killing my computer by not letting it rest. By keeping too many tabs open and not regularly shutting it down, it's draining the battery.
Hmmm, that'll preach! Remember what the Bible tells us in Psalm 46:10? “Be still, and know that I am God.”
In Luke 10, we get an insight into the home of Mary and Martha when Jesus was visiting. As Mary was listening intently to Jesus, Martha was “distracted by all the preparations that had to be made (v. 40).” In the following verses, we hear Jesus speaking to Martha in a way that helps us to focus on what matters most, “but few things are needed – or indeed only one (v 42).”
What are you feeling more this holiday season?
Expectant anticipation of the celebration of Christ's birth with family and friends?
Or are you falling into the trap and anxiety of the worldly side of the season? Sure, these things can have their place, but we must be watchful. Often the things we consider to be interruptions to our busyness may be God nudges into holy moments to spend with loved ones.
So as we enter the Christmas season, may we focus on what matters most and allow God to guide our planning and schedules.
Here are a few tips to help along the way:
1. Gratitude – Philippians 4:6-7 tells us not to be anxious, but “with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Positive psychology research reinforces what God has been telling us all along: that gratitude can actually lift the spirits.*
2. Close the tabs – Back to our story of Mary and Martha. Set the busyness aside, make a list to return to if you must, and...
3. Be still. Be present with God in reflection on what Christ's birth means to us. Be present with the people you love. It's the best present you can give them. Memories last much longer and mean so much more than earthly presents.
Are you entering the Christmas season with joyful anticipation, or is the busyness starting to overwhelm you?
We can choose joyful anticipation.
May we practice gratitude, make a list for later, and close the tabs so we can intentionally focus on celebrating Christ’s birth with our loved ones this holiday season.
Heavenly Father, as we enter into this season of celebrating the birth of Christ our Savior, may we do so with hearts full of gratitude. We ask that you nudge us to see those moments when we need to close the tabs and be present with you and with our loved ones. Help us to wean from our busyness, schedules, planning, shopping, and constant scrolling. May we choose presence and be fully present in those moments. Amen.
*https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier
-Laura Greer
Women2Women
Women2Women is a ministry that encourages women to cultivate an intimate relationship with Christ, while also exploring how God has uniquely created, gifted, and called each of us. We connect with women where they are in life’s journey, providing opportunities for spiritual growth, health and wellness, intergenerational fellowship, friendship, and mentoring. Events and retreats are targeted to the needs of women so we can grow deeper in our faith, develop our gifts and abilities, and establish long lasting friendships. For more information, contact Laura Greer at (828) 456-3993, ext. 204 or Laura.Greer@LongsChapel.com, or Vickie Staib at (828) 646-8819.
