The art of “plate spinning” is amazing! Watch a performer like Erich Brenn spin 18 plates on an episode of “The Ed Sullivan Show” in 1969 and it’s hard not to be impressed. Now imagine David Spathaky spinning 108 plates simultaneously for the Guinness World Record in Bangkok, Thailand in 1996 – now that’s pure craziness!
It is fitting to admire a person who masters their craft and performs before an audience of strangers. But please leave this work to the professionals! All too often I observe well meaning people attempting a life of chaotic “plate spinning” in effort to please an invisible audience that has an insatiable appetite for more.
While reading about Jesus and two sisters in Matthew 10:38-42, I notice a parallel worth considering. We find Jesus inviting Martha to come away from the craziness of constant “doing” only to join Mary for an appropriate moment of “being” in his presence. It is though Jesus understands our common struggle with spinning plates in the kitchen for God, yet prefers us spending time in the living room with God. The cheers and applause of this world can easily overshadow the quiet invitation from the Holy Spirit to live for an audience of One. I pray that you will be encouraged build healthy margins with your time so you can enjoy the peace and direction that comes from time spent with Jesus rather than spinning dinnerware on sticks.
Plates are for eating,
Pastor Dusty
Luke 10:38-42 (NLT)
38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”
41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”