No Worries!

Do you ever worry or get anxious about things?

It isn't long before school starts and sometimes you can get a little worried, "what will my new teacher be like? Will she/he like me? What about my friends, will some of them be in my class or will I have to meet all new friends, well I guess meeting new friends would be okay but that makes me anxious, what if it's hard to meet new friends." Everyone worries and gets anxious even older kids and adults!

Do you know what the biggest worry for a brand new middle schooler is? Well, it's not a new teacher or new friends, it's actually this (show a combination lock) yep, the first day of middle school is the day you began to have a locker with a lock. Can you imagine if you had to get all the numbers right on the lock so you could get to your next class! I know when I get nervous or in a hurry I might mess up the numbers then I have to start over. Oh my, this could be very upsetting! Someone actually suggested that you give your kids a combination lock in the summer before they start middle school so they can practice.

Well, our story today tells us about someone who was a bit anxious as well.

One day, Jesus went to visit in the home of two sisters named Mary and Martha. The sisters welcomed Jesus into their home and Martha immediately began to work very hard to get dinner ready for Jesus. I think Martha was a bit nervous or anxious about making sure everything was perfect for Jesus. I mean wouldn't you be a bit worried or anxious if JESUS was coming to your house for dinner? I know I would be a nervous wreck! So, we can understand how Martha felt. While Martha worked to prepare the meal, Mary just sat at the feet of Jesus and listened to his teaching.

Martha was upset that her sister was not helping her, so she went to Jesus and complained, "Can't you see that my sister is not helping me? Don't you even care? Tell her to help me."

Jesus answered, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about too many things. Only a few things are important, perhaps just one. Mary has chosen that one thing and I will not take it away from her."

See Martha was not focusing on the most important thing. She made the mistake of focusing on other things rather than on Jesus. Mary, on the other hand, was totally focused upon Jesus and what he was teaching. Jesus said that she had chosen the right thing.

As you live your life and you sometimes feel worried or anxious remember this story...and think about what is really important. Focus on Jesus and his teachings. Sometimes when things just seem too big for you, try saying.... Okay Jesus, I need to focus on you and give my worries to you.

Let's pray together.

Dear Jesus, we love you. Help us to keep our focus on you each and every day. Amen.