Crazy Busy

1. Busyness is a universal struggle, but it's not inevitable

I've yet to meet anyone in America who responds to the question "How are you?" with the reply, "Well for starters, I'm not very busy."

Busyness is pervasive. From high school students to retirees, nearly everyone feels overwhelmed by responsibilities, commitments, and expectations. This sense of being unrelentingly busy cuts across demographics, careers, and lifestyles.

But it's not inevitable. While some degree of activity is natural and good, the frantic pace many experience is often self-imposed. It stems from misplaced priorities, an inability to say no, and a failure to intentionally structure our time. By understanding the roots of our busyness and making deliberate choices, we can cultivate a healthier, more balanced approach to life and work.

2. Pride fuels our busyness and shapes our priorities

People often call it low self-esteem, but people-pleasing is actually a form of pride and narcissism.

Pride manifests in various ways. It drives us to overcommit out of a desire for approval, recognition, or a sense of indispensability. We say yes to too many things because we want to be seen as capable, important, or virtuous.

Examine your motivations. Ask yourself: Am I doing this to truly serve others or to make myself look good? Are my commitments driven by a genuine call from God or by a need to prove my worth? Recognizing the role of pride in our busyness is the first step to addressing it. Cultivate humility by acknowledging your limitations, being willing to disappoint others, and focusing on serving rather than impressing.

3. We're not called to do everything, even good things

I can always pray right now.

Embrace your limits. God doesn't expect you to solve every problem or meet every need. Even Jesus didn't heal everyone or go everywhere during His earthly ministry. Accept that you can't do it all, and that's okay.

Focus on your specific calling. Instead of trying to address every worthy cause, concentrate on the areas where God has specifically gifted and called you. When faced with needs or opportunities, pray immediately if you can't act directly. Trust that God will use others to meet needs you can't address. Remember that saying no to some good things allows you to say yes to the best things God has for you.

4. Effective service requires setting clear priorities

I can't serve others effectively without setting priorities.

Identify your core priorities. Take time to prayerfully consider and articulate your most important responsibilities and callings. These might include specific roles (e.g., spouse, parent, church leader) or broader areas of focus (e.g., evangelism, mentoring, creative work).

Establish "posteriorities." Decide what you will not do, even if they are good things. This might mean declining certain opportunities, delegating tasks, or stepping back from commitments that don't align with your core priorities. Remember that effective service often means doing a few things well rather than many things poorly.

• Regularly review and adjust your priorities
• Communicate your priorities clearly to others
• Be willing to disappoint people for the sake of your calling

5. Overparenting and anxiety about kids breeds busyness

Parenting may be the last bastion of legalism.

Reject the myth of perfect parenting. Many parents operate under the mistaken belief that their children's success or failure depends entirely on their parenting choices. This leads to overcommitment, anxiety, and a loss of perspective.

Embrace a more balanced approach.

• Focus on character formation rather than micromanaging every aspect of your child's life
• Allow for age-appropriate independence and risk-taking
• Prioritize your relationship with your children over endless activities and achievements
• Remember that your ultimate goal is to point your children to Christ, not to guarantee their worldly success

Trust in God's sovereignty over your children's lives. Your faithful, imperfect efforts are enough when combined with His grace.

6. Technology and constant connectivity strangle our souls

Deep calls to deep, but we've settled for a satisfying shallowness.

Recognize the spiritual toll of constant connectivity. Our devices, while useful, can become addictive and prevent us from engaging in deeper reflection, prayer, and relationships. The constant stream of information and interaction keeps us in a state of shallow busyness.

Intentionally disconnect. Create boundaries around your use of technology:

• Establish tech-free times and zones in your home
• Practice regular "digital sabbaths"
• Turn off notifications and limit social media use
• Rediscover offline hobbies and face-to-face interactions

Cultivate the ability to be alone with your thoughts and with God. Remember that true depth in relationships, creativity, and spiritual growth often requires periods of uninterrupted focus and reflection.

7. Regular rhythms of work and rest are essential

If Jesus had to live with human limitations, we'd be foolish to think we don't.

Embrace the gift of limitations. God designed us to need regular rest, both daily (sleep) and weekly (Sabbath). Ignoring these limits leads to burnout, decreased effectiveness, and spiritual dryness.

Establish healthy rhythms.

• Prioritize adequate sleep (7-9 hours for most adults)
• Keep a consistent weekly Sabbath for worship and rest
• Build breaks and downtime into your daily schedule
• Plan for seasons of more intense work and seasons of recovery

Remember that rest is not laziness; it's an act of faith, acknowledging that God is in control and that our worth doesn't come from constant productivity. Jesus modeled this rhythm of engagement and withdrawal, and we are called to follow His example.

8. Some forms of busyness are godly and unavoidable

To serve is to suffer.

Recognize that some seasons of intense activity are unavoidable. Following Christ and loving others will sometimes lead to busy, even exhausting periods. This is part of bearing our cross and sharing in Christ's sufferings.

Embrace godly busyness with the right perspective.

• See your work and service as an offering to God
• Remember that your ultimate value comes from Christ, not your accomplishments
• Lean into God's strength when you feel overwhelmed
• Practice contentment in both restful and busy seasons

While we should guard against unnecessary busyness, we shouldn't shy away from the demanding work of loving God and neighbor. The key is to ensure our busyness flows from godly priorities and dependence on Christ, rather than from pride or a misplaced sense of obligation.

Last updated: August 8, 2024