I am currently the busiest that I have been at least since leaving DC, well actually probably the busiest I have ever been in my adult life. I am working 20-26 hours a week at one job, 15 hours a week at another job, taking a class at Vineyard Institute, leading a small group, coordinating interpreting or interpreting myself at church every Sunday, editing 2 wedding films, trying to run a business, and it seems like every weekend is packed with something random that takes up AT LEAST my entire Saturday. And then there is the small task of trying to RAISE a 2 year old (not just make sure he survives) and (last but certainly not least) be a good husband to my wife. Busy busy busy.
There are days that I want to just curl into a ball and scream at the top of my lungs until of the these self-imposed responsibilities fade away. It’s days like this that I am so glad that a large part of my to do list is Jesus centered. Whether it is a word of inspiration that comes from the teachers of the VI class I am taking, a verse from the small group book, or a line from the notes on the sermon I am preparing to interpret for, it never fails that when I am the most overwhelmed, God reveals his overwhelming calmness.
It wasn’t God’s plan for us to fill every moment of everyday. We were created to live in a paradise with abundant food, good company and perpetual time to worship Him. It’s by our own arrogance that we have came to over schedule ourselves. I’m not saying busy is bad. Busy can be a great thing (sloth is a deadly sin in and of itself) and God created us to work the land as well. We just need to be mindful of the reason behind our busyness. Are we busy because of our own desire to “get ahead” or “keep up with the Jones” or are we busily in the pursuit of the life that God has planned for us? For the first time in my life I can honestly say that mine is the latter.
There are studies out there that say that people today have more free time today than we have ever had. There are studies out there that say the exact opposite. It’s my opinion that we simply use our “free time” dumbly. I don’t know about you, but as soon as I have a moment that isn’t scheduled I look for something to occupy my mind. I pull out my phone, my iPad or turn on the TV. I don’t feel refreshed after this. I never say “Gee I wish I could have another couple of hours to mindlessly swipe through Facebook.” I never long for more screen time. I do long for more down time.
Its because of this that I, in this busy season of life, am challenging myself to spend more time sitting on porches, with my wife watching the sunset than I spend sitting on the couch, eyes cast downward watching YouTube on a 5 inch screen. I want to play with my son more, visit more with friends and family, and reach-out to those in my community that need it. Technology can help us do all these things… but not if we let it isolate ourselves. You don’t have to drop things from your schedule to feel less busy, you can remove the unplanned distractions instead.
Wooden Pixels 