My bride and I got out of town last week. We spent two days near Ithaca, NY. I’d recommend it. We visited state parks and several vistas along Cayuga Lake. We also spent time on the campus of Cornell University. Fall Creek cascades over several waterfalls on the beautiful grounds. The autumn leaves, historic buildings and deep gorges made for a refreshing time.
Of course Cornell is a busy place with students everywhere. We observed that most students walked alone, listening to music or engaged otherwise on their phones. We stood on a bridge for several minutes looking at the scenery while students passed us by. It was a strangely quiet setting. We heard no conversation, only the sound of rushing water.
The students at Cornell were plugged in. We all are.
I walked the bike path in Clarence regularly. It has become my time away from all the noise. Quite often I see joggers and bikers using the path. They too are plugged in to pod casts or music of some kind. They give a quick nod and continue on their way.
Nothing wrong with that. Using time wisely is a good thing. But it appears that we share a similar addiction to technology.
What are you plugged into? What are you unplugged from?
Jesus came to visit the home of Mary and Martha. Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. Mary spent most of her time with their famous guest. Martha complained, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to help me.”
Jesus said, “You are worried and upset about many things but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her.”
Joanna Weaver wrote a book titled, “Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World. Finding intimacy with God in the Busyness of Life.” That’s our challenge. God gets crowded out of our lives by a “to do list.”
I encourage you to unplug. Take a walk. Visit a state park. Ride a bike. Paddle a kayak. Leave your phone behind. I bet you’ll survive.
Have a date with God. He has been waiting for you.
Chose what is better. Be strong and courageous, MB