first things first

Mary attended to the Lord's word, while Martha was distracted by her busy serving. It wasn't that Martha was wrong in what she was doing, but that she was distracted. And maybe she should have stopped what she was doing to attend to the Lord and his words.

This reminds me of other things we need to put first. Of course our relationship with God through Jesus. And our relationship with others as well: our spouse, our children, our friends, our relatives.

I have to admit I like nothing, or few things more than just relaxing with a book in hand. In my own world, so to speak. That's okay, and good, as long as others are not neglected in my life, as a result.

It's a joy to see people treasure relationships. After all, Jesus pointed out that love for God, and for our neighbor is to be at the heart of our existence. How that's worked out in our lives is not some set static way for us all. But it's something we need to keep at the forefront of our minds in whatever we do, and especially as we consider our lives from day to day, and from week to week.

How do you seek to do this? Or any thoughts?

"Forest Star - humility" from L.L. Barkat

from Stone Crossings: Finding Grace in Hard and Hidden Places

This chapter is for me an amazing take on humility cast in a light which I've not seen, and certainly not as thoroughly. Along with the "discussion questions," this so far is the epitome of what I've seen again and again in this book.

I've seen myself as much of the time, generally humble. Not that pride never rears its ugly head so that I never have to struggle against it, because sometimes I do have that struggle. But most of the time, and for good reason in my mind, I don't see this as a major issue in my life. But this chapter makes me think twice on that.

Again L.L. shares transparently from her own life, and looks at two who overcame: Thomas Merton and Moses, along with those who did not: Satan and Absalom. This chapter along with the penetrating, excellent "discussion questions" in the back, makes me wonder just where I really am when it comes to humility.

The point in a nutshell is whether or not we are seeking any glory for ourselves in what we do. Perhaps we're unaware of that, but in one moment the ugly truth can become clear.

If we're blessed like Thomas Merton and Moses to recognize and acknowledge this, so that we can confess it to God in a renunciation which accepts God's word of forgiveness to us, then we can end up finding a glory that lasts, in a close love relationship with God through Christ in which God receives the glory, but we share in his glory (also here and here). We become, as it were, lights in the Lord, in whom God's beauty and glory can be revealed and seen by others. In the case of Moses, God steps in and stops him with judgment, but through that Moses knows the lasting good.

This chapter shook me, and makes me question where I really am in this, and reenforces that I want to be among those who seek no glory of their own, but live and do all for the glory of God.

What would you like to share from your life on this, or any thoughts?

1. Stepping Stones - conversion
2. Christmas Coal - shame
3. Tossed Treasures - messiness
4. Heron Road - suffering
5. Sword in the Stone - resistance
6. Howe's Cave - baptism
7. Palisade Cliffs - doubt
8. Holding Pfaltzgraff - inclusion
9. Indiana Jones - fear
10. Old Stone Church - love
11. Goldworthy's Wall - sacrifice
12. Clefts of the Rock - responsibility
13. Olive Press - gratitude

Next week: "Seedstone - healing"