Distractibility. Are You Distractible?

by Stephanie Rodda (taken from “Bloom in Your Winter Season”)

But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing… Luke 10:40 NLT

So often, I can relate to Martha. Like her, I become distracted by everything that needs doing.

Martha is commonly epitomized as the sister who refused to be still and spend time at the feet of Jesus. I wonder if we misjudged her because we don’t carefully consider the circumstances.

She obviously had the gift of hospitality, as the Bible clearly says she welcomed Jesus into her home. She seems to have been in a close relationship with the Lord as she freely expressed her feelings to Him. She apparently was important enough to Him to be heard, answered, and called by name.

But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details!” Luke 10:41 NLT

I regret to admit this often describes my state of mind. Worried and upset.

We live in a world that seems to applaud those who are busy. The busier, the better. It’s as if being busy equals progress and ensures success. But, of course, this is not necessarily the case.

We seem to have lost the art of undivided attention. With so many demands on us, it’s easy to feel pulled in every direction and tempted to juggle too many balls at a time. This can lead to weariness of the soul, and a few dropped balls.

Regardless of what frustrates our efforts to stay focused, we may feel responsible for doing it all, do it right now, and do it all ourselves. In our early years, we may have promised ourselves that in the later years we’d be less distracted, less hurried, and certainly less flustered. And yet, now that we have arrived at this place in life where we are more “seasoned,” we may feel overwhelmed with all that still needs doing.

Spiritual discipline is a practice that leads to spiritual strength, growth, and maturity. I believe it is a spiritual discipline to stay focused on what really matters. So, what does really matter?

Sometimes, what matters the most may seem to be completing the task at hand like Martha’s meal preparations. But without exception, what always matters is being attentive to the presence of God and being willing to be still and listen despite our many duties.

Jesus did not chastise Martha for serving. Instead, he pointed out she was “worried and upset” for being distracted. We are, in fact, expected to stay busy with the Father’s business.

If, however, we are so busy, so distracted by our works, that we can’t be bothered to stop, be still, and listen to the Savior, our distractibility has become an obstacle.

“So, you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.” James 2:17 NLT

BIO: Stephanie Rodda is the wife of her one and only, mom of many, and GiGi to a growing number of grandchildren. She writes from her heart with the hopes of touching the souls of other women with words of encouragement. You can connect with Stephanie at http://www.stephanierodda.wordpress.com.