“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ ‘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 10:38-42

To help you live a wondrous life in the kingdom of God, we must learn the Four Movements of the Wondrous Life. The first is to move from being distracted to being present with people.

One of the great things about Jesus was that he was interruptible and was present with everyone. As a pastor, this is a big challenge. No matter where I’m going, people interrupt me with prayer requests, testimonies, and handshakes. I’m astonished how Jesus was able to delay the things he was on his way to do in order to be present with the people that interrupted him.

Jesus teaches us that very often God is in the interruptions. And although you have your goal, God may have a different goal in mind for you. In other words, when people are with you, be present with them.

(Tomorrow: Moving from being cluttered to being simple.)

Prayer: Dear Lord, what is your goal for me? Please interrupt me when you have a better goal in mind. Help me to be present with the people who need your love. Amen.

Reflection: Have you ever been interrupted only later to see God’s plan at work?