"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
As I discussed last month, this year we plan to expand our Lenten "Walk to Jerusalem" to include activities and behaviors that promote all the components of the Wholeness Wheel. An important part of achieving health or wholeness is being in balance and "intentionally nurturing all aspects of health surrounded by spiritual health." Since it is suggested that, as Christians, starting with your spiritual health will make balancing the components of the wheel much easier, this month I'd like to discuss spiritual health and balance.
Most of us know the story of Mary and Martha as told in Luke 10. Traditionally Mary is seen as the heroine of the story and Martha is the one who is rebuked. Most of us, however, can certainly relate to Martha's feelings of worry and distraction over all that "needed to be done", and perhaps her secret jealousy of people like Mary who could focus on the presence of Jesus. In their Bible Study, "Act Boldly with Balance", Sue Ann and Ron Glusenkamp note that "the five verses of the Martha and Mary story, although short in number, are long in meaning." Ron is fond of saying, "Never put Martha in charge of the Bible Study, and never ask Mary to be in charge of the dinner at the annual meeting." There is something important here. It is all about balance, keeping life in proportion. The Glusenkamps suggest that it is all about "portion distortion". Many of you have heard this term in the sense of America's diet problems. Martha, however, was experiencing portion distortion, not in terms of food, but in terms of activity. Although Martha was certainly doing good service, preparing a banquet for Jesus, it was a question of priorities. Jesus reminded her that she was distracted by many things while Mary had chosen the "best thing". When Jesus saw women who were distracted by their serving, he reminded them that "man does not live by bread alone" (Matthew 4:4). It isn't that the doing doesn't need doing; it's that the being must come first. An important part of our being children of God is building and nurturing our personal relationship with him.
The Glusenkamps further note that in a "multi-tasking" world, it is challenge of Christians to look at how we can practice "unitasking"; (that is "there is need of only one thing," in Luke 10:42). When we are distracted by all the tasks we have to do and the expectations of others, we often lose our sense of direction. We need to remove ourselves from all those things that are barraging us to find our true compass. In our hectic, noisy world, we need to slow down and withdraw in order to hear that still, small voice of the Holy Spirit. We have to "be still and know that I am God"; and He is speaking to us. Writer and chaplain, Susan Cosio notes that quiet time set apart with God "is like a hike to a peak from the middle of a dense forest; it gives me perspective and some ability to see where I've been and where I am going." She believes prayer can often be more about listening than talking; and finds a daily walk gives her time to listen to God and be close to him. I encourage you to find a time and a place to be quiet and spend time with your God. A quiet walk, time spent reading the Bible and/or using devotional books such as "The Upper Room" or "Christ in Our Home", regular prayer (listening as well as talking), and regular worship can help you develop a relationship not only with your mind, but more important, your heart. Jesus tells Martha "there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part which cannot be taken from her." Mary, who has chosen the "good part", has peace and it will not be taken from her. This is what can put all other things in proportion and help keep us in balance. It is natural for us to have times when we are like Martha and out of balance. But Jesus offers us to find that one thing "that is better", the peace of being in a close relationship with our God. This is the most important step in achieving "wholeness". It will help us to act and find balance in all the other areas of our lives that we may "live abundantly".
During Lent, we will again be challenging you to take the Journey to Jerusalem with Jesus. We hope it will be a journey to health and wholeness for each of you who choose to participate. Although all the plans and activities are not in place yet, we will be offering other health activities besides walking by which you can earn miles including other physical activity; eating recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables and other nutrition improving behaviors; spiritual activities including prayer, Bible reading, etc. on a regular basis; using stress-management behaviors, and more. In the past, we have encouraged each participant to walk 75 miles during Lent. This year, since there will be many more activities by which you are able to accrue miles, we challenge you to do more. It is approximately 6,172 miles from Oconomowoc to Jerusalem (as the crow flies). We would like to see how many total miles we can "walk" together.
Although we probably will not make it all the way this year, how far can we go? Can we make it out of Wisconsin, to the eastern states, or out of the USA? If we don't make it this year, can we complete the journey next year? Won't you join us in our journey to meet Jesus in Jerusalem? Watch for more information in the bulletins and narthex in the coming weeks.
Peace and joy,
Bonnie