Too much of a good thing?

Looking at the story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42), we notice that there are 15 verbs in the account. There is no doubt that Martha is busy! She welcomed, came and asked, and is distracted.

Is it possible to be distracted by doing too much of a good thing?

Can we do so much service, so many things, that we become distracted and forget “there is one needful thing?” How interesting to think that often we have too many things on our plates (literally and figuratively) while others in our world struggle for basic needs like adequate food, water, and shelter.

“Lord, help me to be mindful about my life so that I can best tend to myself, sharing my time and service meaningfully with all those in need. Amen.”

This message was adapted from “Act Boldly with Balance” by Sue Ann and Ron Glusenkamp, a three-month summer Bible study that appeared in the June 2006 issue of Lutheran Woman Today (now Gather) magazine. You can download this and other three-month Bible studies here.