Recently, I faced a bit of a divine pop quiz, and let’s just say I simultaneously aced and flunked. But hey, I walked away with a valuable lesson, which is an overall win in my book:

Every week, Sammy attends a program in town that gives him some playtime with other kids, giving Abby and me a little breather from his energetic antics (anyone who’s spent 5 minutes with a 3-year-old gets it). Abby and I use this time to reconnect and enjoy some mother-daughter moments, whether we’re exploring town or just chilling at home. It’s not about extravagant gestures, just giving my time and attention – a duty I gladly fulfill, and a perk that I genuinely enjoy.

So, we hit up a coffee shop with one of those long tables in the center of the room. It was packed, except for two chairs in the middle of the long table. Abby and I snagged them, had a nice chat, and indulged in some breakfast pastries while we drank our warm beverages. As our conversation rolled on, Abby’s attention drifted, so I let her dive into her phone and music while I pulled out my Bible to catch up on a study plan, 12 Women of the Bible, that had been collecting dust due to recent illness.

Next to us sat a pair, a man and a woman, deep in conversation. Despite being human with functioning ears, I resisted the urge to drown them out with earbuds or get overwhelmed by the café noise. Not only did I manage to absorb the Bible lesson, but I also avoided getting entangled in the juicy gossip unfolding next to us. There’s a difference between listening and getting invested.

I’m a people person, no doubt. I’ll chat with just about anyone, and while that’s usually a good thing, there’s a line between friendly and “busybody”. In that coffee shop, I found myself itching to jump into their discussion on world politics, town news, local government, and criminal justice. It felt like every topic was tailor-made for me to join in – tempting, but not exactly in a good way.

However, I had an epiphany that this was a temptation from the Enemy:

A. None of it was my business. They delved into criminal justice, my field of study, but there are experts out there more knowledgeable than I am, and I don’t work in that area anymore.

B. It was too perfect. Two people discussing topics I’m well-versed in? Tempting! But the conversation’s nature distracting me from my Bible study signaled this wasn’t a divine setup for me. Every word seemed designed to pull me away from Jesus in that moment.

C. The lesson I was studying? The Martha and Mary story (Luke 10:38-42). In that moment, I was doing exactly what Jesus warned against.

In that passage, Martha is stressed about tasks, while Mary focuses on Jesus. Jesus tells Martha, “You are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42, ESV). It’s often used to highlight not letting daily distractions take us away from Jesus, but I believe it extends to situations outside our daily routines – like a coffee shop conversation that diverts us from Jesus’ Word.

Eventually, after finishing my Bible study, I did engage with them, but only when they shifted to a non-controversial topic: music. I’m learning the violin, something I’ve always wanted to do, and they were talking about guitars.

In the end, that coffee shop encounter served as a gentle reminder to be mindful of where I invest my time and energy. Balancing rich human connections with moments meant for personal growth and spiritual reflection is crucial. The story of Martha and Mary provided wisdom that extended beyond scripture into the hum of everyday life, emphasizing the importance of recognizing when to prioritize moments of stillness and spiritual nourishment. Armed with this awareness, I engaged in a conversation about music, a topic harmonizing with the rhythm of my pursuits. In those moments, after meaningful time with Jesus and my daughter, I discovered the beauty of balance—a blend of divine and human connections that resonate with my soul.