Tunnel vision by definition (yep – about to go Webster on ya! I’m a nerd at heart) is the loss of peripheral vision with retention of central vision, resulting in a constricted circular tunnel-like field of vision. When I think about tunnel vision it brings back childhood memories of family skiing vacations to Colorado when we would drive through the mountains in route to our next tourist stop. Everything but the light at the end of the tunnel blacked out and when we resurfaced into the daylight, I was in awe of the beauty revealed on the other side of the tunnel.

A few weeks ago, I co-led a Bible study about Mary and Martha.  Both sisters were intimate friends with Christ and often housed Him and the 12 disciples when they were passing through Bethany on their way to Jerusalem. Although they shared the same bloodline and both loved Christ, their relationships with Him varied greatly.  In the scene played out in Luke 10, Martha is running around like a chicken with its head cut off preparing their home and serving Jesus and the disciples while Mary simply sits as Jesus’ feet.  A frustrated Martha, being the more vocal of the sisters, asks Jesus if He even cares that Mary has left all the household duties on her shoulders.  Upon initial reading, you may think that it is unfair and rude of Mary to leave the dishes for her sister to tend to, but in Luke 10:41-42 Jesus responds to Martha’s question by saying “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken from her.” Martha’s vision hadn’t been impaired by the presence of Jesus, but Mary’s had.  Mary had tunnel vision set on Christ alone.  While Martha thought Mary should be condemned for not helping her with the worldly tasks of preparing her home for Jesus, Jesus in turn praises Mary for sitting and listening to Him rather than focusing on what the world says she should take care of.

Through diving into Martha and Mary’s story, I realized I was a Modern Day Martha running around like a mad woman worrying about the next paper, exam, or presentation written down on my schedule. Although earning my degree will eventually help me grow the Kingdom in my chosen career, the most important thing I can do with my life is simply be still and listen.  In the hustle and bustle that coincides with the end of the semester (For my football fans – I like to refer to it as the fourth quarter) I simply wasn’t sitting at the feet of Christ absorbing what He wanted me to hear.

Our walk with Christ should mirror the tunnels cutting through the Colorado mountains and the life of Mary who took a breather to sit at the feet of Jesus and eagerly listened to every word He said.  Although there are worldly things that attempt to block our paths, we must keep our sights set on the light at the end of the tunnel.  Everything else should fade away in comparison to the Son lighting our way. Our vision should essentially be impaired by the awe of God’s grace and the love of Jesus Christ.

Grab your Bible, take a seat, and listen to our loving Savior,

Meredith

“I pursue as my gold the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 3:14