Stop. Look. And Listen.

In this busy world with clutter and clatter in almost every nook and cranny of our lives, it's tempting to stay in a constant state of fast-forward. As much as I love the ever-present availability of modern technology . . . as much as I'd feel lost and alone without connectivity . . . I often need a reminder to pause and pay attention.

Fortunately, God has surrounded me with friends and loved ones who do just that. I have the privilege of sharing a deep and connecting friendship with three women who are ten to fourteen years older than I, and not only older, but wiser. We've vacationed together all over the world, lived on opposite coasts and around the corner, shared joy and sorrow, and remained close through thick and thin.

The most important lesson I've learned from them-and I've learned it equally from all three-is to Stop. Look. And listen. If it were up to me, I'd probably never stop . . . or look . . . and I'd definitely never listen. I would just be a busy little beaver, worried and bothered about so many things. (I often wonder why my name is Mary, not Martha.)

God in his great grace, gave me these friends so I could be more like Him, so I wouldn't just race through life on a fast track minding my own (and everyone else's!) business. He wanted to teach me to be still. Be present. To be more Mary than Martha.

I love that Mary was present with Jesus before He went to the cross. She was quiet and there. There was nothing she could say or do, but I imagine He felt comfort in her presence. She didn't try to fix the problem, or run around to find help, or even try to stop the madness. He knew-and somehow so did she-being there was choosing the right thing.

On the other hand, I can hear the Master saying to me, as He did to Martha, "You're fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it-it's the main course, and won't be taken from her." (Luke 10:41-42) I can't imagine reading those words and seeing my own Martha-ness without experiencing the love and companionship of my friends who taught me to ‘be quiet and be there.'

God can and will do whatever it takes to conform us to His will and His ways. In my case He used (and continues to use), friends to help me be present in the moment. Has someone in your life helped you to stop, look, and listen?

No Comments »

Nobody has shared their thoughts about this article yet. Be the first by filling out the form below and joining in the conversation!

Sorry, but commenting is no longer available for this post.