Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes. Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the Lord. You looked for much, and behold, it came to little. And when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why? declares the Lord of hosts. Because of my house that lies in ruins, while each of you busies himself with his own house. -Haggai 1:5-9
This is the story of why and how I left the business of busyness! And I pray I never get sucked into that business again. Don't get me wrong. I'm all for the extra- and co- curricular activities. As a teacher, I spend much of my time making sure that students are involved in both their school and community. In my eight years of teaching, every year I advise a student organization, and I encourage my children to also be in a club or sport. Growing up, I learned that being involved in these activities builds character and leadership. In many educational literature reviews, studies show that there is a great correlation between extracurricular activities and student achievement. In my experience, I standby this theory.I once believed that the busier I was, the better off I was. The more activities my kids were in, the more equipped they will be for this world. I'd judge others who sit around all day. What truth lies in these statements? After completing a days work, am I better off than I was yesterday? What success did I have? What reward comes from vanity and neglecting God? Jay and I spent a lot of time, energy, and money supporting our children through soccer, volleyball, plays, musicals, performances, special presentations and fieldtrips, dinner dates, lunch dates, parties, etc. For what? We were definitely busy bees.
But Jesus too, a busy man?
Yes, but what's the difference between Jesus and a busy bee?
That's a matter of heart.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. -Matthew 6:21
What is fulfilling your heart? Sometimes stuffing our schedule stockings to overflowing may still be leaving our souls empty. What is truly in our motives behind our actions? I'm guilty of filling my schedule so I do not have to be at home to face building relationships with my family. I remember when I was in high school, I'd join any school activity, just to avoid having to spend time with family. When children are trying to get away from you, there maybe an underlying problem there. Building relationships can be difficult because it involves a lot of communication and recognizing faults of ourselves. But when God brings us to recognize these things, we are able to repent and grow spiritually. Busyness could stop this process.Jesus was busy, but his busyness was different. Jesus spent a lot of time with people and building relationships with others. He shared in fellowship with the Father and his disciples. He spent time healing the sick, making the lame walk, the blind see, the dumb hear, raising the dead, calling out demons, and preaching the word. His busyness was God's business, fulfilling the gospel.
Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." -Mark 6:31
Before I knew the Lord the way I do now, I used to think that we lived such a busy life, and by the times we arrived home, I was so exhausted! I would sleep and wake up still feeling tired. My life was filled with a bunch of things I hardly remember. I realized that I don't even remember these events because there was no purpose to it. I was just doing it because it was a part of my schedule. And me being a type A, everything had to be organized and the calendar had to be met. Oh man! I pray my children and family forgive me for being so controlling. I'd even sometimes have anxiety attacks when running late or we're off schedule.
Today, I'm even busier than before, but not like it used to be. Being busy isn't a bad thing, as long as our lives are not fulfilled by our activities. Even though I'm busier than before, I'm well rested because it is God who renews my strength, and the fulfillment of life comes by the Holy Spirit, and not by my activities. I also have a relationship with my children and family. We spend a lot of time together now that we are in the same business, serving God and others. I still like keeping a schedule and being on time. That, I just consider a gift from God. But I no longer have panic attacks because we're running late because the peace of the Lord comes upon me when I call out the name of Jesus.
Let us consider our ways, as it says in Haggai. Set our treasures above, and render our hearts to God for his works.
