October 2009
Common sense tells us that if we constantly stretch a rubber-band for a long period of time, it loses its elasticity. This principle also applies to how we handle stress. If we are under stress for a long period of time without giving a period to relax, we lose our ability to quickly recover! Therefore, it is highly recommended to relax from time to time.
Wise words, but how can we relax if we are always under pressure? Even when we try to slow down, others demand us to keep going. Their expectations, words like “you should . . . you ought to . . . you must” hit us like tumbling waves, one following another. Before we know it, we are under water, suffocating. When we fall short of their expectations, we get even more frustrated. It is like putting salt on a wound, which is not a good feeling at all.
There is a classic example in the Bible about being stressed out. Many of us are familiar with the story of Martha, who seemed to have the quintessential “Type A” personality. She welcomed Jesus and His disciples into her home, who were probably unexpected. As the occasional host, I understand it’s embarrassing when guests come unexpectedly because there’s no time to prepare and clean the house. Martha was all stressed out trying to do her best to cook for and serve her guests. In the meantime, her sister Mary was really enjoying herself by doing nothing. All “Type A” people understand why Martha was so upset.
Well, let’s face it! Everyone has his or her reason to be under stress. Life is stressful, but I’m amazed how some can handle more than others. By “handle” I mean to really be able to deal with pressure, instead of seeming fine from the outside, while burning from the inside. Those who internalize stress will one day explode, and who knows what will happen when the pressure erupts one day? It seems like I am writing about myself! I have a “Type A” personality and internalize a lot of things so this story of Mary and Martha serves as a friendly reminder of a few lessons I could learn with regard to attitude.
The story described Martha as being distracted. She was distracted by Mary’s idleness. She blamed Mary for being irresponsible. She was distracted by Jesus’ response to the whole situation. She assumed Jesus didn’t care. Distraction is an energy zapper. It draws so much from us that we don’t have enough energy to accomplish our tasks. When we get into a downward spiral caused by a combination of stress and distraction, we are doomed!
Jesus gave Martha a remedy for her to release her stress. In one sentence, Jesus gave three instructions: Don’t worry, don’t get upset, and do one thing at a time. Worrying is like sitting in a rocking chair. It gives us something to do, but doesn’t get us anywhere. Being upset clouds our minds, disabling us from seeing the true value of what we do. Finally, if we concentrate and do one thing at a time, we will become better at it.
Before I sign off, I would like to invite you to read the story in Luke 10:38-42. One of Jesus’ instructions is to sit at His feet and listen to His teachings. Happy reading!
Pastor Larry
