Breaking Up with Busyness
I learned within the last few years. I do not thrive when I am busy so, I am breaking up with busyness. Something I also learned and my motto is you have to slow down to speed up. So, if you find yourself in a busy season, right now? May I offer some suggestions?
Breaking up with busyness
Self-care is not about massages and manicures but about doing the things that help you operate at your best self. For me, that means breaking up with busyness. Before the COVID pandemic, I was busy caring about the wrong things. Despite my best efforts, my busyness led to no results—just me running around like a nut holding onto Jesus by a thread.
The things that I invest time in did not bring fulfillment, just increasing angst. My busyness took away from other things that were far more important than worldly gain. Although I don’t like the term “self-care.” Putting care into yourself is often needed.
Psalm 62:1 (NIV) Truly, my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.
What I knew
I was taught, “idle hands are the devils’ playground.” It has stuck with me throughout my life. I was still busying myself with a task, some meaningful, and some meaningless. Then, I became a mother and applied that to my children. I signed them up for classes, keeping their weekly calendar full of outings, play dates, and activities. Teaching them that they should always have something to do and not allowing them to have the time for rest or leisure. After rereading the story of Mary and Martha, I came to an epiphany- “I need to break up with busyness.”
Luke 10:41-42 (NIV) “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
For the first time in my adult life, I wanted to be a “Mary.” Previously, I took pride in the fact that I was an exceptional multitasker and exemplary at time management. I realized slowing down and taking time to “be still” was an admirable trait.
Why is Busyness Applauded?
Many people are always on the go until they reach exhaustion. Busyness is considered tremendous, and stillness is deemed to be lazy. When we are still, we can hear God, be closer to Him, and use His guidance.
Mark 6:31-32 (NIV)
31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”32 So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.
Are we valuing our relationships?
Being busy also keeps us from having meaningful relationships with others. We are so wrapped up in the go-go; we aren’t fostering our communities and fellowship, which is very important.
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and ball the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Are we meaningful and present in our significant relationships, like our spouse or children? Are we filling our time and presence with stuff and activities? Is it worth the stress and isolation to be task-oriented?
Three Ways I plan to break up with Busyness.
- Say “No” more. I often say “yes” before even thinking of how it will add or take away value from my life. I plan on saying, “Not Yet” and “No” more and see if the situation or task will take away from my life.
- Get over FOMO. I often say, “Yes” because I don’t want to miss out on anything. I have always been like that, but I am starting to realize that I don’t have to be part of everything, and that is okay. Age brings you the wisdom, I guess.
- I know my Why. If I stayed focused on the “why” I am doing something, then “what” I am doing will either have more or less meaning—being rooted in my “why” will help me discern the things that are meant for me.
- Setting Up Boundaries, one thing that I need to do is to make time for devotion. Five minutes a day is not going to cut it. Recently, I have let that be a mindset, but I need more time with God.
My “Aha” Moment
The story of Mary and Martha was an epiphany for me. I discovered I wanted to fellowship, devote more time to God and my family and friends. Have a more meaningful and present relationship with the people in my life.
It gave me permission that I needed to slow down and reduce to be more like Mary. When I am planning for my children now, it’s memorable experiences versus expertise in activities. I spend quality time in the Word with my husband daily, my family, my dog, and my stress level are low.
I am living the “Mary” lifestyle and enjoying the moments instead of calculating my time. So, in the last part of the year, I will be doing less and wanting more. This life was not meant to cram as much as we can into every hour but to enjoy every hour that we have. That’s the plan let’s see if I stick with it.
More Confirmation on leaving busyness behind
Another Aha- Moment I had in Sunday service during the message. The pastor said something pivotal—those who wonder why their world is crumbling never had it on a strong foundation, to begin.
It was like a light bulb.
If it would have happened to me years before, my world would not look as hopeful as today.
You aren’t exempt from life as a Christian. It’s just how you choose to live it and whom. The Word, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus can bring clarity and peace.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
What gives you peace during these busy times in life?
