Choosing the better part: Even on a sultry summer day, the wind of the Spirit hovers — almost imperceptibly. Our lives rarely accommodate a slower pace for the summer. Yet, we are invited to notice, again, the priorities that drive us. We are invited to stop, however briefly, the manic activity and consider options Jesus offers us.
Of course, the dishes must be washed and the bills paid, but will we take a deep breath and just ‘BE’? The static of distractions drowns out the music of the cosmos. Don’t just DO something; sit here, Jesus invites.

Martha and Mary were sisters. They were very good friends of Jesus. One day, Jesus visited them at their house. Mary sat right down beside Jesus and asked him about his trip and listened to everything he was saying. Martha went right to the kitchen to fix a really nice dinner for Jesus. Martha said to Jesus: “Tell Mary to come help me with all this work.” Jesus said, “Martha, Martha, calm down. You are getting too carried away with all this housework. Mary is doing the more important thing: Mary is listening to me.”
I wonder what Martha thought was the important thing to do with Jesus in their house? I wonder what Mary thought was the important thing to do? I wonder what Jesus thought was the more important task?
As we think about the “Marthas” in our community, what ways we might be able to honor the work they do and help them risk growing. As we think about the “Marys” in our community, what ways we might be able to honor the work they do and be sure their voices are heard.

Prayer: Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use us, we pray, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
A Prayer of Self-Dedication (Adapted from The B.C.P. of T.E.C.)