Thursday, November 15, 2007

Are you busy?


I've been asked to speak at my weekly women's Bible Study and the title they gave me is "Are you busy?"

It's a topic they've given me a couple times in the past. I'm still trying to figure out, is that because I have good things to say or because my life is such a textbook example of a 21st century woman who hasn't quite figured this one out? Needless to say, God has prepared me for answering this question by giving me one of the most challenging years of my life (pace-wise, keeping up with everything).

In the past, I've often approached this topic from the place of we all need to slow down, pace ourselves, take a break, etc. But I feel a change in my heart and soul these days. I'm not sure the answer is learning to say "no" or putting boundaries around ourselves. I look at the examples that God gives us in the Bible of men and women who made a difference and the thing I keep coming back to is that they were available when God called. I think it's not bad to be busy, but the more important question is what is it that I'm doing and why am I doing it? I know for myself, I can spend hours shuffling things around my house, starting and stopping different projects and generally just "looking" busy without really accomplishing much. I'm coming to realize, especially when it comes to wanting to do what I really want (writing) the fear of failing at that task is easily tempered by the excuse, "I'm just too busy right now." This equation can fit in any area of my life - marriage, parenting, church, work, etc.

So what about you dear blogging friends? What do you do to make sure the business of life doesn't take over your lives? How do you make sure what you are doing is the real thing and not just filling the minutes and hours of our days with "stuff". What are some of your best strategies you've discovered to keep your schedules in line. Especially around the holidays, what do you do to keep yourself from being over scheduled? I promise you'll all get credit for your answers and I'll be bragging about the great wisdom of my blogging friends!

5 comments:

Amber said...

" I'm coming to realize, especially when it comes to wanting to do what I really want (writing) the fear of failing at that task is easily tempered by the excuse, "I'm just too busy right now." ---

Um. Get out of my head.

This last week, the University where I want(ed) to go to school called me, to see if I was still going to try and come... I have been thinking and rethinking if this is the best time. For me, and for the family. And also, the process I am left with to apply, is pretty big. I have not been able to face it... So I don't know. I think some of it is what you say. Fear of failing.

I went to a new meeting with the new counselor at the school, anyway. It was good. I really wonder if God isn't giving me a nudge.

;)

Jennifer said...

I try to remember to ask myself...who am I serving/trying to please by saying yes? In the past, I've often said yes because I don't want to disappoint the person who was asking. This is a tough one, Kim. Especially for women who are so used to (and good at) multi-tasking.

Wanda said...

I would have to say in my life, while I was working and now as retired; My "Day-Timer" is my salvation. If I take charge of what is on my calendar. Then when someone asked me to do something, or make something, or be somewhere, I say. "Oh, could you hold just a minute (if it's by phone)let me get my calendar or (Could I get back to you tomorrow on that (if in person) I'm so sorry I already have something scheduled for Tuesday. Maybe I can help you out next time." The thing scheduled for Tuesday might be "Wanda". I put my name on two days a week..and I don't have to explain to anyone what I'm doing ...I'ts my day to choose what I do or do not do.
This may be long and seem to simple, but if you don't plan your life...everyone else will.!!!
Speaking from an old pastor's wife for 46 years!!

Connections said...

I guard my Fridays - my day off. Then I do whatever it takes to keep everyone happy. After that, I either fall apart emotionally or my body screams and I get sick. Then . . . I get smart and start all over again! Basically, it is a battle that is not easily won - at least for me.

Love you friend!

L

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