Give up busyness and learn to be calm.
Lissa Rankin, M.D. writes that “It seems to me that too many of us wear busyness as a badge of honor.” Too often we use busyness to cover up feelings of unworthiness or the discomforts of failure such as:
- failing marriage
- my feelings of boredom
- my fear of being ordinary
- my feelings of unworthiness
- my desire to have more things
- my pain from some past injury
Similarly, Rankin says that Americans are addicted to busyness. It often serves as a numbing behavior in the same way that cocaine or alcohol also make us numb. We don’t have to face our vulnerability or inadequacies. Ask most people to stop the frenetic behaviors, and they will give you a list of excuses why they can’t do it.
Like any addiction, busyness requires some hard work to eliminate. However, the payoff of that hard work is a life that is well ordered and calm.
” . . the Lord said to her, ‘My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details. There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered and it will not be taken away from her. “‘ Luke 10:38-42.
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heaven burdens and I will give you rest” For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light, ‘I Matthew 11:29-30.
“Don’t worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hears and minds as you live in Christ Jesus,” Philippians 4:6-7.
Question: What was the difference between Martha and her sister Mary? What do you think caused that difference?
Activity: How does too much busyness affect your life. Make a short list of what you would like to change in order to bring calmness to your life? What calming behavior would make a big difference in your life?
Prayer: Dear Father, my life at times, is out of control. However, I know that my busyness is due to my desire to have control over my life. Please help me to have greater calm. Help me to rely on you. To rest on you so that my mind can reflect on things that are truly important. In Jesus’ name I pray this. Amen.