Photo by UnSplash (2015) via Pixabay, CC0 Public Domain. Text added by Erin Franco.
For some reason, I have this idea in my head that if I’m “busy,” then I am doing something wrong.
And you know what? I think that little idea is a new favorite tactic of the Enemy. He has twisted the genuine need we have to prayerfully discern our schedules into another way to discourage us in the spiritual life.
“Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-25)
“But I do not count my life of any value to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good news of God’s grace.” (Acts 20:24)
SO interesting to think of all this. As a minimalist, I see so clearly the benefits of living with less – less stuff, fewer items on the calendar, fewer demands – all for the sake of allowing space to work within my marriage and family, which are the primary calls of my life. But of course, being busy with that to which God calls is GOOD and glorifying when done with a cheerful heart. This is such food for thought – I think busyness calls for constant, prayerful discernment because the Enemy would love to preoccupy us with things that don’t matter just as much as he’d love to drag us into sloth. Great post!
Thanks, Katie:) I agree wholeheartedly that when we are busy we have to be diligent in discerning all of our activities and routines. It’s so easy to be doing a lot of good things…but too much of a good thing is still too much sometimes!
{Kathy} I really like this perspective Erin. I’ve heard so many people talk about the dangers of being “busy”. But sometimes we don’t have a choice! Thank you for your fresh, biblical take..
I agree! I’ve never read an article on the merits of Martha (or Mary-and-Martha fame)–and honestly I’ve always struggled with that story. Busy-ness really challenges us to live out our priorities and to put God first in our lives.
I like the point about life stages and the need to do the work at hand. I think our culture is too busy for busy's own sake though. Personality types need to be taken into consideration also. I am personally glad the shift is going the other way. American culture is too ambitious and material in my opinion. Remember Martha, Martha also. I would rather take Mary's part. I am glad I had an under scheduled childhood as was left to my own thoughts. I am not going to look for cupboards to clean when there are long quiet contemplative walks to be taken.
Liked your comment — "too busy to pray — too busy" (Mother Theresa) Then too, do not be too hard on Martha, She was the first one to go out to Jesus and tell him that if he had been there, her brother would not have died. She recognized HIM as our SAVIOUR.
For sure! 🙂
In my stage of life right now (three children five and under), I have spent a good bit of time trying to figure out how to be "more Mary than Martha." It's a tough one when there is so much to do! I have spent maybe too much time being hard on myself for not "playing with the kids enough." But more and more I am asking the Lord to show me where I can give the gift of my presence in a way that doesn't become a stresser to the family (i.e. slacking off in getting dinner ready on time, or not sticking to the laundry schedule so that the morningtime is crazy trying to find clean socks or dress pants). A big help has been sticking to a rule of life regarding household chores and time spent with the kids. I actually schedule in free afternoons (crockpot dinner!) and daily read aloud time, for example, so that I can plan to spend quality time with the kids.
Good points Erin.
I think of Peter's mother. When Jesus healed her she immediately arose and waited on him. I think of the Ascension, when the disciples were standing there gazing up into the sky the angels appeared and asked, "Why are you standing there gazing up into the sky?" as if to say, "Let's get going, there's work to be done (even if that work is constant prayer)." The main point, as you say, is to discern God's will for us in the day, which requires great recollection. It's no wonder the enemy uses distraction and discouragement to derail us.
Peace to you,
Mark
Thank you, Mark. Peace be with you as well!