Our So-Called Life: Being

My propensity for doing originated at birth, I think. I come from a long line of do-ers: teachers, professors, accountants, factory workers, gardeners, bakers, crafters, writers, musicians. It's in my blood.

And although working hard and accomplishing and doing have great benefits, it is sometimes a curse. Especially when it comes to one's spiritual life.

I have discovered I am most comfortable when checking off a list in my Christian life:
- Have a quiet time.
- Tithe.
- Give of my time and resources.
- Be patient.

I can practically hear myself checking off each item as they are accomplished.

But then I recall Jesus' words to Martha when she complains that her sister Mary isn't doing enough, "Martha, Martha, you are worried about any things, but only one things is needed. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her."

This story has always irked me a bit. I mean, God is the one who gave me Martha that personality, right? He knows she is a do-er. Can't that be her way to serve him? Doesn't that count for something?

A wise friend recently suggested I treat the season of advent like lent, committing to do or give up things to focus more on Christ and his coming. I loved the idea and started brainstorming things I could do (of course) to make the season more meaningful.

Then God revealed to me my backwards thinking. I didn't need to do more. I needed to be. And while that sounds simple, it is also profound.

I grabbed my "To Do" list, modified it a bit, and asked the kids what they wanted to be these next few weeks. They shared ideas, and we came up with a list of being items and a few ideas of what we might do in order to encourage these qualities and attributes these next few weeks.