GratefulOne

Why is it that we love to be busy?  How many times have you been asked the question: “How are you?” and your response was: “I’m busy!” Why do so may of us (or at least those in my circles) seem to thrive on a busy schedule with various volunteer commitments, small groups, or meetings scheduled nearly every night of the week?  When did that become not only normal, but expected of young professionals?  I am around a lot of people in their 20’s and 30’s, and I am amazed at what some of us manage to fit into our weekly schedules.

I cognitively agree with the quote: “A busy Life is not the same as a meaningful one”  (Ruth Soukup), and yet…I have found it quite challenging to actually live my life with enough margin to ever have a consistently NON-busy life!  I have had a number of times where life has been temporarily put on hold while I have attempted to learn this lesson (the lesson that I have limitations as a human being, and really do need to rest rather than fill 6 days of the week with activity!)  However, even with several pauses in life, time to reflect and regroup, I still eventually find myself back running the race.  It’s a good race- from one ministry or group to the next, but at some point, enough is enough.  And now, in January, 2017, I think I am FINALLY ready to stop and seriously re-evaluate how I was investing my time, my energy, and my talents and perhaps more importantly, WHY I have been nearly addicted to a busy lifestyle for 30-ish years.

How would you answer the question: “Why do we thrive on a busy lifestyle?”  Is it to feel important, to have a sense of purpose, to prove that we have worth/value?  Are we just trying to be productive, contributing American citizens?  Find a cure for boredom?  At different seasons of life, I have probably filled my schedule for any of the reasons listed.  On my better days, it was “for a good ministry cause.”  On my less than secure days, it was to feel a sense of worth and value.  Regardless of my pure or impure motivation for serving, I confess: I have chosen a busy lifestyle for nearly my entire life. What I once esteemed as an accomplishment- a full schedule, I now see as a red warning flag for exhaustion or burn-out.

Understanding the WHY behind my busy lifestyle is perhaps the question I have overlooked in the past.  I am looking forward to all God will reveal as I slowly surrender more and more of my schedule to Him.  It is painful, I’ll be honest.  Grieving isn’t easy.  You probably know the stages of grief…denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.  Well, I can promise you I am not at acceptance yet!!  I anticipate floating between anger and depression for a bit longer before fully embracing the reality of a fully surrendered schedule.

If you are feeling overwhelmed with your busy lifestyle, I hope that you, too will pause and reflect on why you have chosen such a lifestyle.  I pray that God guides you on your journey and that you will be willing to surrender your schedule to Him. May He comfort you as you grieve your busy lifestyle and say “yes” to a more peaceful season of margin, balance, and rest.