Busy isn't bad.The glorification of busy is. I'm involved with a lot of activities and organizations. I even prayed for discernment as to whether I should take on this or that. In my gut, I felt a strong no. In my humaness and prideful self, I found all the reasons for a yes. I rationalized myself into a big fat yes. To keep it simple, I disobeyed God. As a result, I'm struggling with balance. I'm struggling to stay healthy physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. My friendships are suffering as well. While the consequences of my yes will be challenging for the rest of the year, I am thankful for the grace that will be extended in the mean time. He's merciful that way. I know he will see me through and enable me to get things done well.
I think of Mary and Martha when Jesus visited their home. I get Martha! I don't get Mary and her sweet self one bit. I try. But dang, Jesus was coming over! Bless Martha's heart. I'm sure she wanted to impress Jesus. Who wouldn't?! You know the house and food was just perfect. People were probably raving about her lovely presentation and preparation for the guest of honor. I get that. I love hearing people tell me what a great job I am doing. How beautful things look. How I'm changing lives. My pride and ego fuel my glorification of busy. Because the more I do, the more affirmation I receive. Is that the primary reason I do the things I do? Not at all. But it plays a role in preventing myself from giving up certain things I know are good and I know I am passionate about. I am fine at saying no to things I don't like. Saying no to things I love and care about is the challenge. Heck, I want to save the world! Problem is, that was never my job to begin with. The need for affirmation is not bad, but it is strong and can lead to over committment. In a basic sense the glorification of busy is a reflection of where my identity lies. When busy is glorified, then it's safe to say my identitiy has become performance and to-do list based; not Jesus based.
It's OK to say no amidst a craving for yes. We've got to look at what is behind that craving. What's driving that need for more activity. I guarantee, pride is at the root. It renders us ineffective. Being involved with 10 great things sounds great on paper, but are we really doing a good job? Being committed to 1 or 2 activities may feel 'less than,' but I guarantee more powerful results will ensue. Busy cheats us out of quality in its pursuit of quantity.
This time last year, after feeling the Lord very clearly tug at my heart about this subject, I proclaimed it to be the "year of no". I developed a very strict criteria by which I judged what I could say yes to, but i said "no" to oh so many things. It was been one of the best years of my life, and I've had no regrets. Praying for you as learn to find that balance too, and as you relish in the few things that you love and praying for God's peace when you are able to say know.
Posted by: Courtney Willis | October 15, 2012 at 05:01 AM