by Tammy A

Created on: April 04, 2007   Last Updated: May 11, 2007

In our world of efficiency, everyone is scrambling to find an answer, a solution. When a problem arises, we want to do something. We need to do something. Even when one is on leave, activity has to be planned, otherwise the day would be wasted.

Doing nothing is as good as pronouncing oneself 'useless'.

But even the bible states that sometimes, doing nothing may be the best thing. "Be still & know that I am God." In order to be still, one needs to put down all that they are doing & just stop moving. Stilling of physical activity, stilling of all thoughts & just listen quietly with & to God. It is a wonder what one can observe & hear during this period of silence.

How about Mary & Martha? Oh, we all know this story - the sisters were expecting Jesus & Matha, the perfectionist Choleric/Melancholic just got about busy in the preparation of cooking & setting the place up for the guest & even while the guest is there, she was still busy.

And Mary? She was right there in the hall with Jesus. Martha must've thought: "what is this girl doing to me? Here I am cooking & obviously very busy & she just sits there & isn't even helping me?" So after a few vengeful stares from her kitchen in between chopping, washing & frying, she gets up the nerve, went up to Jesus & told on Mary.

"Lord, doesn't it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me."

So the Lord said to her, "My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:40 - 41.

Isn't it ironic? Martha of course, set out with the good intention of preparing a nice meal for Jesus. There is nothing wrong with wanting the best for your guest, esp an esteemed guest like Him. When we invite friends over, we naturally want to make the house prettier, cleaner & more presentable, the food delectable.

But Jesus didn't care about all that.

He just wanted us to be with right where He is. And in whatever that we're facing, whether if we are ill or going through a rough patch, instead of wrecking our brains, scrambling to find a solution or rushing off to see a doctor, remember, be still right where He is, trust Him & He will see to whatever we are facing.

"Sometimes the harder thing to do is to do nothing." - Gil Grissom, CSI

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