One Thing
Some people have a very good sense of direction. I don’t. It’s interesting how life can teach you lessons, even through Waze…
ONE THING
“. . . In 200 meters, turn right!”
“On the roundabout. . . turn left! Then, turn left!”
“On the roundabout. . . turn left! Then turn left!”
My car had circled that same roundabout, for 3 consecutive times.
“Oh shut up, already!” I muttered whiled intently driving. My patience was wearing thin. I wanted to strangle Colonel Sanders. But how do you strangle him when he is a voice on your Waze phone app?
Because I am “geographically challenged”, I was relying heavily on Waze last Sunday afternoon. I needed to get to the airport fast. My hubby was arriving from a 10-day trip. I was rushing to the airport to pick him up as the powerful typhoon “Koppu” (Lando) was currently in the country. Because of this, I could feel my car swaying with the strong winds while waiting at the stoplight.
Aside from weather concerns, a flurry of thoughts kept swirling in my head:
"APEC conference this week . . . delegates flying in. . host friends and guests. . . women’s retreat Friday . . . gotta prepare a message . . . four writing deadlines due . . . follow-up your Japan visa . . . prepare for next week’s trip . . . plan itinerary of sisters . . . finish painting the blue cabinet . . . etc.”
So there I was. Keeping company with Waze’s voice, along with the buzz of the Viber app signaling incoming chats from friends, updates connected to the storm, as well as prayer requests for sick people, and other specific needs.
As my car circled the American cemetery for what seemed to be the 100th time, my phone rang. It was the voice of Joseph, my eldest son. “Hi mom!” he cheerfully asked, “Where are you?”
I must confess—the sound of his cheery, calm, seemingly carefree voice in the midst of my frustration and stress made me crankier! Joseph had offered to pick up his dad, but got delayed. And that’s what bugged me and got me driving out to the airport by myself. Here’s how our conversation went:
J: “Mom, I’m on my way to pick Pop up now. Where are you?”
Me: “Where do you think I am? I’m wandering in the wilderness!”
J: “Mom, relax, why don’t you park at the EN building, then I’ll pass for you there.”
Me: “No way! I’m late enough already! I’m driving to the airport now!”
J: “But mom, I’m headed to the airport to pick up Pop too.”
Me: “Then, we’ll both pick him up!”
We both got to the airport using two different routes, to meet a very confused Joey who was wondering why we had picked him up in separate cars. Back home, I felt a little bit guilty about my grouchy behavior towards my son, but I brushed it aside—Well, he shouldn’t have been late! I’m so busy attending to so many things!
Then a quiet voice came seeping to my head. “Martha…Martha…” it said. Oh dear. Sometimes, God gives secrets even when I am not in the mood.
You’re focusing on the many things, instead of the one thing.
“…But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me." But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." (Luke 10: 40-42)
Worried. Bothered about many things. “But Lord,” I argued, “I’m bothered about good things!”
“…but only one thing is necessary…” That verse intrigued me. What is that one necessary thing I needed to focus on anyway?
It hit me like a thunderbolt. Mary wasn’t some passive sitter, doing nothing, while Martha was working. Mary actively sought the Lord. Mary was more conscious of doing what pleased Jesus, rather than what pleased her natural self.
Secret: When you start getting bothered by so many things, that’s the best time to focus on the “One thing”.
“The One thing” I was learning was simply to keep your eyes on Jesus. Do what pleases the Lord, regardless of your situation.
“Never worry about anything. Instead, in every situation let your petitions be made known to God through prayers and requests, with thanksgiving.” (Philippians 4:6)
“Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near….And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4: 5,7)
Worried about the storm? God has the power to divert it.
Confused over driving directions? Holy Spirit, help me.
Panicking over deadlines? God give me wisdom.
Overwhelmed? God is stronger and more able than me.
Wondering if I should apologize? Do what honors God.
And so, that night, I reached again for my phone. No longer to ask Waze to direct me, but for God’s voice to Waze my heart to the right place. I texted my son: “Hi Joe, I’m so sorry for being grouchy today…I was wrong, please forgive me…”
Dear reader, thank you for reading this far : > May your heart be focused on the One thing, even as Jesus gives you the wisdom and grace to succeed in many things. See you next Thursday : )
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