what’s more important?
doing stuff or being present…
'As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “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.”
But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”' Luke 10:38-42
this passage is a great reminder for all of us - as a parent, husband, child, friend, etc. just as martha was so busy making dinner, cleaning the house, etc., we, too, can get caught up in tasks that we feel needs to be done before settling in. instead of trying to enjoy ourselves and the company of others, we feel the need to make our homes spotless for fear of what you believe they may feel about you if it wasn’t. majority of the time, our family and friends just want our attention and time - to be with us and could care less about how things look. not that i’m against cleaning up, i just don’t think it needs to be spotless for someone to be invited in (sachi may feel differently though).
some will disagree with me on this and that’s ok: another example is our kids, or children in general, just wanting us to be around but we are tied up ‘working’. we use the excuse of needing to work so that they can get stuff you feel they should have or doing stuff around the house. while i’m not against kids getting nice things, for me it was a big fat lie because i wanted what i wanted and didn’t put my family as a priority. also when yujin wanted to play sports or do this or that, i wasn’t present when he needed his dad to show up and be there.
instead of being there for my mom and sister when i was younger, and yujin and sachi in our marriage, i was chasing $$$ and the social ills of the world. missed so much of their lives and time with all of them, while all they did was show me unconditional love. these are times you simply can’t get back no matter how bad you want it.
i’m very aware of the times that i have lost and how it affected those who i love and love me back. as i can’t do anything of the past, what i’m able to do is learn from them and do things differently going forward.
now, when i’m able to be there for those in my circle of influence, i try very hard to give them my focused attention - be it a phone call or in-person. they deserve it and it allows me to grow in our relationship. though not perfect at it, no longer do i take for granted the time i have with the people that i care for and love.
thank you Father God, for letting me see the great need for me to be connected with you. wanting the Presence of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus, in our lives and to be at His feet. listening to Him, patiently waiting for things to be worked out for my/our good, and to trust in your promises. may i/we never forget that you are the ‘One Thing’ we should be focused on. in your precious and Holy name we pray, amen!