Busy Bee...Why??

And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:17

Somehow saying you are busy equates to self importance. Stay with me I am not meaning to beat up on anyone but particularly in the U.S this busyness sort of is a status symbol or determining your worth. It is almost as if it is embarrassing to admit you have down time. Why? What possesses us to be on a nonstop treadmill to prove success?

The common response you get from many people when asked the question “how have you been” is to answer, “busy” as once again maybe to imply or prove to others you are somehow more valuable if you are constantly doing things. Stop for a minute and think about your schedule and maybe schedule into it some downtime such as reading a book, taking a walk, or maybe even a nap!

Do all things to the glory of God and God wants His children to have peace and not always be striving. This could be why many city dwellers like to take a drive to the countryside to listen to cows moo or birds chirp. Next time someone asks you how you have been why not answer something like “enjoying life” and see the response you get. Now go have a day filled with joy and gladness.

PRAYER: Father you give me so much time each day and it is up to me how I choose to manage this time. Give me the ability to say “no” sometimes to non stop activity and just be still and maybe enjoy a hobby or a friends time. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The BUSY Badge Of Honor...Say What?

Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun. Ecclesiastes 2:11

I had been pondering the subject of American busyness and how it seems like many do it purposefully because if they don’t they feel less than noble. Then at the same time I was pondering it must have been a Holy Spirit thing because my pastor spoke about it in church about the same time. 

Why do parents of young children enroll them in back to back activities? Children need to learn the art and discipline of being still, reading a book, appreciating the beauty of nature that God created. Then we adults, shame on us. Many who do not have a 40 hour per week job sometimes feel compelled it seems to fill up all the extra hours with activities as it is hard to sit and be still. Those of us not employed may feel an urge to get in all sorts of volunteer work seemingly to feel worthy. When oh when is there time for the family?The home?  What’s shameful about having some space on your calendar with nothing there? 

My challenge to each of my American readers is to try to chill and be still. Don’t sign up for every worthy cause. Don’t guilt yourself when you don’t. Spend some alone time, without your phone turned on, to read God’s word, listen to birds, take a walk or hike in woods. Don’t rush through life and never take a breath.  Learn to tame the busy monster and enjoy life to the fullest!

PRAYER: Lord I don’t want to constantly be filling up every moment and need to learn the art of saying no and being still. I pray for those reading this that they too will examine their schedules and see what can be cut out so they can slow down and enjoy life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Taming That Busy Side Of You

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3

I am the self confessed 'Energizer Bunny' even given that name by a couple good friends. But even though I have an abundance of energy, thank the Lord, I still need to make times to not be busy. Busyness can be a real detriment to your life and your relationships. Do you feel you achieve some sort of status by being able to answer when asked "how are you" to answer "Busy"? Why? Time to maybe be able to say "at peace". 

Want to try to not gain status by telling everyone you are busy? Your worth should not be determined by your busyness. You should not be ashamed to tell others that you are just sitting reading a book or the Bible. Why on Earth do so many feel compelled that you are not worthy unless you are busy? It is time to get over that and try to work on some free time and not keeping the proverbial schedule full. 

Start today and your first thing on the agenda should be God and quiet time. If you are not doing this why aren't you? No desire or is your answer "too busy"? Granted there are things that have to be done but perhaps you may be bringing some of this schedule overloading on yourself. Ponder that for a while. Today is the day to stop and seek Jesus and then re-do that schedule. Give it a try. 

PRAYER: Help me really look at things I see as crucial and maybe take a step back and schedule some down time. For those with families I pray they teach this principle to their children as well.  In Jesus' name. Amen.