Busy Busy Busy

Ask yourself, “Why is my life so busy?

What am I busy doing?”

 

I remember the days when my children were young, and my husband and I were running five businesses.  I eagerly attended seminars that taught us to prioritize our time by color-coding our calendars to complete the tasks, which I took full advantage of.  I discovered how the colors would pop with a glimpse of my calendar as to the importance of the day.  Choosing a dim color for myself, it would be the last thing on my mind, causing me to forget about personal appointments, much to my dismay.

I remember how every minute was dictated for me.  There was never enough time to get it all done.  I remember that my briefcase was attached to my hip so that I could work at every opportune time, never wasting a moment.  It didn’t matter if we were at extra-curricular activities or one of my children’s dentist/doctor appointments, I would have my documents with me.  In my mind I was filling a slot of time that would otherwise be wasted.

In hindsight, I see how many missed opportunities I had to be “God’s hand extended”.  There were people that needed a smile from a stranger, a touch from a caring friend, or just a listening ear.

Today I see how the joys of life passed me by.  Thankfully, in my later years, God has given me the desire to relish the important moments in life, such as:

• Sharing precious time with our adult children.
• A grandchild climbing into my lap with a smile, a hug, kisses, and words of endearment, “I love you Grandma”.
• A hug from a friend that lingers, even after they have gone.
• Memories of loved ones that are now with Jesus yet leaves my heart thankful for the time we did share.
• A phone call from a sibling that lives miles away, with the love conveyed in our hearts as we share and laugh together.

I can just hear the cynics saying, “Easier said than done.  I’m not there yet.  I can’t keep my head above all there is to do.”

I agree and realize there are struggling single parents, two-parent households that are working two and three jobs trying to provide for their family.  In this present season people are wondering how long they will have their job, or even worse, have already lost their job or business because of COVID-19.  And now we are being warned of another wave of infection.

I do understand the concerns.  My heart is burdened for what is coming against people.  My only advice is to put God first.  You can trust Him to provide for you.  He desires to lead and guide you in ALL your circumstances.  Trust and obey as He guides you!

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To receive peace in your daily tasks, ask God to help you prioritize your day.  Again, I learned to do that while my children were teens, and my calendar was fully color-coded.  By allowing God to dictate my day, I was amazed at what all I achieved.  Most of all, I realized what was important to God and that became important to me which helped set priorities in order.

Today, when I notice I need to reevaluate my priorities, it is time for me to have that “priority” chat with God again.  My conversation can be as simple as “I give you this day Lord to do as You will.  Guide and lead me every step of the way.”, and the day will go easier.  Imagine what could be accomplished by making this a daily prayer.

In all we do, God must always be first.  His Word tells us that He is a jealous God (Exodus 20:5) and the only two commandments in the New Testament are found in Mark 12:29-31: ²⁹ Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. ³⁰ And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. ³¹ And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Our next priority is our family.  Yes, before our job or church events, our family.  I can only imagine how pastors struggle with this, for they have God’s heart to serve the people He has given them.  I recently heard a Pastor tell a story of the moment he was to be on the platform to preach, one of his children needed him.  His decision to run to his child in their moment of distress proved his love for that child when they needed it most.  This Pastor had no regrets, his family is more important than his job.

Our next priority is Church.  We can all make excuses not to attend church.  During the pandemic people are finding it convenient to stay at home and watch on-line services.  But there is something about being in the atmosphere of worship that cannot be replicated by watching live streaming.  So, I encourage you to go to church, one minute of being in the presence of God changes ALL that is concerning you and strengthens you for what is ahead.

Hebrews 10:25 – not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Oh, we could go into another teaching with this verse.  For we can all see “The Day” approaching quickly.  But for now, just be ready, be watchful, be praying so that day will not catch us unaware.  Be a part of your local church, for you gain strength from one another.  For more on this subject, read the blogs entitled “What If” and “A Genuine Believer”.

Regarding our jobs, we believe the position at our job is the means to our success.  But, to what detriment?  Have our priorities faltered because of our jobs?

We are to do all that we do for the Lord.  So, are you doing your job for God or has it become mundane, just something that must be done?  No matter your position or career in life, do the work unto God.  Do that job to the best of your ability, with integrity, knowing your rewards come from Him.

Yes, I realize that sometimes employers emphasize that if you work for them, they are your priority.  I was victim to this mentality as an employee too.  But God will give you balance in handling this as He directs your path, His way will be different for each job and individual.  Just ask Him to reveal His desire for you.

I also realize that your priority list becomes misconfigured at times because of deadlines, learning new techniques and procedures, etc.  Therefore, do not be dismayed or condemned, God alone knows your heart.  At the end of that season, go back to the drawing board and ask HIM to help you get your priorities aligned again.  Remember that each day is a new day, a new beginning.

We all have jobs out of necessity, to provide for ourselves and our families.  Do not misconstrue any of what I am saying, I am not telling you to quit your jobs for the sake of putting God first.  For the Word of God also advises us if we do not work, we do not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10).  However, that is not what this is about.  It is about prioritizing your life in the direction God has for you now and in the future.  Your life is different from anyone else, so your direction can only be determined by God.  Ask Him!

No matter our age, we all recognize that life is short.  The Word of God says in James 4:14 that “Life is but a vapor”.  So, before the children are off to college and begin their life miles away from home, see them.  Yes, that is right, see them.  Take note of what blessings they are right now.  Do not wait until you only hear their voices on the phone, not knowing when you will see them again.  Sit and listen to them now.  Whether they are toddlers or teens, they have something to say and want to share it with you.  Take time with them now.  Have no regrets of what you should have done.  Prioritize now.  We do need to be intentional with our priorities, it does not come easy.

Sacrificing for a purpose is a real thing.

If your children are adults with their own family, know that it is never too late to change your relationship with them.  Prioritize now.

The same goes for your parents.  If you are blessed to have your parents still living, spend time with them.  That is what they desire – your time.

Take time with all your friends and loved ones.  Show them that they matter to you.

Do you know how thankful I am that we took these fifth generational pictures?

 

None of us have the promise of tomorrow, but what we do today affects our tomorrow.  Live each day as if it is your last.  It could be.  Make it count.  Take nothing or no one for granted.

Again, I ask “What are you busy doing?”

• Does it promote your love of Jesus?
• Does it matter for eternity?
• Do your loved ones know they matter?
• Are you pointing them to Jesus?

What matters to God should matter to us.  How will you prioritize your time now?

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Prayer

Father God, there are seasons and holidays that complicate our priorities.  Currently, school is convening, and we recognize our children need our attention.  We realize the pressures that our children encounter may involve listening to their hearts.  Their daily lives have been upset due to COVID-19 and they need our reassurance of safety and protection.  If they experience fear and worry, help us to guide them to You.  And for all of us, we acknowledge that priorities can become misguided in significance.  Help us to determine in our hearts this day the importance of You first so we can be all we need to be for our families, church, and positions.  We are Your servants Lord, for Your kingdom.  Give us Your peace, may we rest in You, knowing that you will help us prioritize this day and our days ahead.  Amen

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Matthew 28:11 – Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Philippians 4:6-7 – ⁶ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 

 

Notes:

1. If you are new to this blog, please understand that I have a ministry in discipleship, so I challenge you and encourage you to grow in your personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
2. All scripture is taken from NKJV unless otherwise noted.
3. Words of scripture were intentionally highlighted BOLD for significance.
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