Because there are 4 boys involved with at least one activity each, we have been genuinely busy for most of the recent past. This was a typical spring schedule on our calendar.
We have struggled to get four boys to four games in the same day more times than I would like to recount. But what has all of this gotten me? Well--sick for one--stressed out beyond my capacity to cope. I've gotten better over the years, and I would not trade those days. We enjoyed watching our children play sports, and I certainly would not begrudge them those experiences.
Things have slowed now that the main culprit lives 3 hours away and the middle two have retired their cleats for the most part. But I find myself looking for ways to be busy, to fill my days, to be doing important things. I feel guilty when I'm not doing. When did our culture change from valuing "being" as well as "doing"? I'm not sure, but I think we've lost much in that evolution.
I have been studying the book of Genesis with a couple of my favorite college girls. God told Abram that He would make him into a great nation. Twenty-five years later he's not only 99 years old, but he's still childless. God and a couple of angels appeared to him while he was sitting under a tree, and Abram insisted that they stay for a meal. To prepare for this meal, he had Sarai grind grain while he chose a choice calf for the meal. There were no microwaves. This took time. God is not in a hurry, so how much of God am I missing by being so busy and always in a hurry? No wonder we don't hear from God. When do we have time to listen? When can God interrupt my day for a dinner that I would have to thaw out and start from scratch? I don't know, but if I continue to fill my calendar with my things then will God stop trying to focus my attention on His things?
Some of our best times have been when we sat in our back yard with friends and family and just enjoyed the moment. I cherish that time of just "being." It restores my soul. God is trying to remind me of that each day as I struggle with the search for significance. Isaiah 40 says, "those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength." Maybe the lesson really isn't don't be busy but rather be available to the God who will strengthen you to act.
1 comment:
Paula Fulton, I have known you for 5 years now. You cook dinner from scratch every night, chauffeur boys wherever they need to be, teach Bible studies to adults and students, are a loving wife and mother to that awesome family, participate in church activities whenever needed and are a faithful friend to many, always there to comfort or congratulate. I only dream of being your kind of "busy."
I DO wish you would sometimes take some Paula only time. Just prop your feet and read a magazine, get a massage, or just not have to cook, clean or drive anyone. You deserve it, my dear friend.
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