Many sharks have to keep moving or they will die. Their constant momentum within the water, allows their gills to receive needed oxygen within the water. It is a type of haunted imagery to see this in our minds eye. Not only are these terrifying creatures to many, but they also carry the trait of the worst boss ever.
While I carry little else of shark like qualities, this one does hit too close to home. In a time when little is within our control, maybe it is an attempt to put order to the chaos. Somewhere along the way, I have mistaken productivity for worth.
The more
meals I cook
laundry I wash
emails I send
tasks I complete,
The more I feel valuable.
But what we do is to be an extension of our love, not a judgment of our worth. It is easy for us to find our value in the tasks we complete. We can see the end result in a clean dish or a folded shirt, and while this gives us a feeling of accomplishment (a Godly feeling), leaving such items wrinkled and messy does not mean we too are equally messy.
There is a story in the Bible that gives me hope. Two sisters invite Jesus into their home. Martha rushes around the house to make sure everything is just right for her company. Mary, a dear friend of Jesus, sits by His feet – a sign of learning. She is so captivated by her guest, that she ignores a world of deadlines and do-mores. When Martha finally loses her cordial patience, she expects Jesus to rebuke her sister. In pure Jesus fashion, He commends Mary and lovingly criticizes Martha. The hero of the story is the one who sits, reflects, and rests.
There will always be more do do. Each day brings about more of the same boxes to check as yesterday. Some of us are more wired toward these tasks than others – we are intoxicated with completeness or finding an escape from a battered mind. Whatever the reason, be not afraid to sit in the mess and breathe. The more we can reflect, the more we can turn these tasks into a sort of prayer. Sadly, eventually we will need to handle some of these tasks. Yet, with an intentional heart tuned toward something more eternal, we can move with grace.
In a world full of sharks, be a Mary.
Matt simon blog 