A few evenings ago, I joined my roommate in the living room of our apartment. She didn’t seem to be preoccupied so I launched into a story that I was eager to share with her.  It seemed like I talked for a good couple of minutes. Once I was finished sharing my story, she responded by saying “I don’t think I was listening to you.” Her response struck me as humorous more than anything. Ever since that day, we frequently share that line with one another. 

In a world overflowing with distractions, it is easy to become preoccupied or let our minds wander. Perhaps, like me, your phone is one of your biggest distractions. A Sushi Lounge in New Jersey offers customers a 20% off discount on Tuesdays if they leave their phones inside a black box on the table until they receive the check. I love discounts and I love sushi, so it sounds like my type of place. Distractions abound. And even some of our greatest strengths and gifts can serve as distractions. 

At Jr. High youth group last week we looked at a passage from Luke 10 where Mary and Martha welcomed Jesus into their home. Martha became so distracted with preparing a meal that she wasn’t able to just sit and just be present with Jesus. Jesus responded to Martha saying “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 10:41-42). What can we carve out of our day to allow time for ourselves to just be present with Jesus?