Good morning: Do you ever feel that you’re the rope in a tug-o-war, pulled in at least two directions at once? No sooner do you sit down to dinner with the family than the phone starts vibrating. You’re already on the phone when another call comes in or someone taps you on the shoulder and tries to tell you something with improvised sign language. You finally plop down in your favorite chair to read the novel you’ve heard so much about just as you suddenly remember that you have to get the laundry out of the dryer. With so many things competing for attention, it’s not surprising to feel that it’s a battle between competing interests for your attention. Who wins? What gets your priority attention? Work, family, the loudest voice, the activity which is most enjoyable? Remember Jesus’ visit to the home of Mary and Martha? Both sisters loved Jesus as their Lord and Savior. But we’re told that Martha was distracted by all the serving she wanted to do for Jesus. Mary, on the other hand, sat at Jesus’ feet listening to His every word. Martha wanted Mary to get busy and help her. But Jesus answered, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (Lk. 10:41-42). What are you choosing today? What will you choose tomorrow and the rest of next week? We can’t always avoid being pulled in different directions, but may we always choose the best thing first and listen to the Lord. He puts our minds at ease and our hearts at peace. He tells us that through His perfect life and sacrificial death, He has already accomplished everything needed for our present and eternal happiness. May His voice always have first priority in our lives. In Christ, Pastor Our fall work day begins tomorrow at 9 a.m. There is plenty to do both inside and out, and the weather forecast looks great. Sunday services are at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. The choir is singing in first service. Sunday school is at 9:15 a.m. and Bible class at 9:30 a.m. Beginning Sunday, the Bible class will resume the study of Luther’s Large Catechism.
