For the Girl Who Needs Boundaries For Her Busy Schedule
Being around people is one of my favorite things in life, so I often plan events and get-togethers to bring my people together. However, a few years ago, I got so caught up in planning things between my friends, work, and myself that I actually forgot to attend an event I HAD PLANNED. Ugh...that was my wake-up call! It was time to take a step back and evaluate how busy I was.
In that season, God showed me that my time is best spent when I am fully present and enjoy life in the moment, not going through a checklist in my mind for the next thing. Time is a precious gift given to each of us, and the best thing we can give to others in our lives is to honor our time with them by being fully present.
Some consider busyness a mark of success or accomplishment in life. While that may be true in some circumstances, Jesus cautioned one of His believers about choosing to be busy. The gentle words He spoke to her carry over into our lives today, as well.
CHOOSE WHAT IS BETTER
In Luke 10:38-42, Jesus was on His way into town. When two sisters caught word of this, they were excited to host Jesus in their home. One sister, Mary, ran to meet Jesus and brought Him into their home. She sat at His feet and listened while He taught her and the other disciples. Martha, Mary's sister, was busy in the kitchen, preparing a large meal for Jesus and the disciples. She got caught up in her busyness and became frustrated since her sister was not lending a helping hand.
Martha's frustration boiled, and she stormed into the room, asking Jesus: why don't you make my sister help me? Here is where Jesus gives His cautious warning. ""But the Lord answered her, ''Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her"" (Luke 10:41-42).
Mary had chosen what was better, for she was still before the Lord. While Martha's service was important, it wasn't the best use of her time. Martha was so distracted by her busyness that she missed out on the beautiful opportunity to spend time with the Lord. And sometimes, we do too.
THE SECRET TO BUSYNESS
Let's be real: busyness is something we all struggle with. Our time is stretched thin, and we are pulled in multiple directions. Sometimes we can get so caught up in attending practice or filling up our calendar that we miss out on the important things right before us. But what if life doesn't always have to be that way? There is a little secret to not living so busily.
Some of the best advice I have received is this: you have permission to say no to things. Read that again. You have permission to say no to things. You can say no when asked to attend or be a part of something, for you and your time are valuable!
When deciding how to respond to things that can clutter your schedule, ask yourself these two questions:
DO I HAVE THE TIME TO SAY YES TO THIS?
WILL THIS ACTIVITY LEAVE ROOM FOR ME TO SPEND TIME WITH JESUS?
We cannot fully embrace every moment when we constantly live in a whirlwind. Instead, we cheat ourselves and each other of the time and attention we can give. We only have the bandwidth to do so much every day. When you say yes to something, make sure you actually have the time and energy to honor this commitment.
More importantly, anything we place before God is an idol, including a busy schedule. Decide if your schedule allows time with the Lord instead of distracting you from it.
MAKE YOUR SCHEDULE WORTHWHILE
Our busyness can distract us from choosing what is better in the Lord's eyes--spending time with Him. But it also deters us from doing Kingdom work. We can fill our time with so many responsibilities that we lose sight of opportunities right in front of us. However, Scripture instructs us not to be idle. How do we balance it all? By being fully present and fully devoted to glorifying the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:58 says, ""My dear friends, stand firm and don't be shaken. Always keep busy working for the Lord. You know that everything you do for him is worthwhile."" I love that last sentence. Everything we do should be for Him, which makes everything we do worthwhile.
The secret behind busyness is that busyness or stillness is our choice. It's that simple. It's a choice! So, let's choose what is better like Mary did. Let's make the best use of our time. And let's make sure that our busyness ultimately glorifies God and not ourselves.
Lyndsay Wagner loves Jesus, coffee, and ice cream (in that order). She is a native Okie from Oklahoma and serves on the Student Ministry Staff at First Baptist Tulsa. She loves teaching the Word of God and is passionate about discipling and helping teen girls know and follow Christ. Connect with her on her Instagram page.