Life gets really crazy busy sometimes, doesn’t it?

A few weeks ago, I found myself in a flurry. Between juggling book writing, work projects, normal crazy family with three kids under five years old, I was running around like crazy. I couldn’t put my words to it but I didn’t like it.

And then, one week I decided I had enough. I said to myself, “This week, I’m going to slow down!” And I did.

One morning, when I would normally be running around on errands and busily bussing the girls to school, I decided to get up earlier so that I can go slower. In the middle of an errand, I decided to just sit down on a kitchen bench and do nothing.

Then something surprising happened.

As I was sitting there, my youngest daughter walks into the kitchen. She sees me sitting there, gently walks towards me, and lays her head on my lap. It was a kind and sweet gesture. I let out a deep sigh at how much I enjoyed this moment of connection with my child.

And then it hit me–this wouldn’t have happened if I was running around. The thought came to mind and I felt the Spirit of God teach me something in this moment. He said, “Busyness is the enemy of intimacy. One cannot be busy and intimate with those around them.”

I am finding that the busier I am, the less I can connect meaningfully with the people God has placed in my life.

That was such wisdom. It’s not a mystery that those who live busy lives, often feel loneliest. In all our task pursuing, checklist checking, driving, it is unending motion that keeps us from connecting deeply with those around us. We can easily lose connection with our loved ones, the people that God has put in our lives to love, care for, and enjoy. This is true, by the way, not just of the people around us, but our very relationship with God.

Here’s a question that perhaps someone hasn’t asked you:

Are you so busy that you can’t connect with the people God has placed around your life?

Is your schedule too full?
Are there not enough times when you sit still where people can enjoy your company?

Think on these questions as your orient your life.

You were made for greatness,
Phil

Made for Greatness

The Isolation of Busyness