Dealing with Distractions

Lately I’ve been finding myself bombarded by emails, text messages, calendar reminders and Facebook requests. I thought the smartphone was supposed to make my life more manageable or at least more fun to manage.

But the more often I use my phone, the less I can enjoy face-to-face conversations. I find myself answering emails while I’m eating lunch. I used to gaze at the rose bushes and the sunflowers that grow in my garden. Now I stare at a four-inch screen so that I can be even more efficient at work. If I have some free time, I use it to schedule more reminders of things to do or I flip through countless apps. I am more distracted than Martha. At least she spent her time preparing to serve a meal for Jesus. What excuse can I offer?

I need to hear the story of Mary and Martha. I need to slow down, to listen and to focus on Jesus. Worrying has no reward in heaven. Rushing to get everything done keeps me from building life-restoring relationships. Mary had the right idea. Putting everything on hold to be with Jesus is ‘the better part’.

Prayer: Patient God, teach us how to focus on you so that we listen more and worry less. Amen