I’m not going to go off on how busy we are. I’m not going to mention the study showing how we almost never unhook from smart phones and technology. I’m pretty sure I’m the only one who gets mind-numbingly busy and forgets who he is and what he’s about. Who becomes a ‘human doing’ instead of a human being.
So since I’m not going to talk about all that, I’ll just ask myself (and you) a few questions. Hold the mirror up so we can see ourselves clearly for a minute or two . . .
1. Have I become less kind and patient?
If you think about people you love and admire, they’re kind. They smile. They take time with you. The busier I get, the less patient and kind I am. That’s a sign.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
2. Have I become less forgiving?
When I’m trying to get stuff done, I can make enemies out of anyone or anything that gets in my way. When I’m busy, the anxiety of unmet expectations can grow into anger in a hurry. My heart gets hard. But when I slow down, I forgive quicker, things don’t build up, and I feel refreshed.
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord. (Acts 3:19)
3. Am I a good friend right now?
My history and pattern says friends are a luxury. A leisure-time activity. When I’m up to my neck in busyness, it’s not natural for me to think about friends. About reaching out to help others or ask for help for myself. Maybe it’s a ‘check engine light’ when I’m ignoring my friends or see their calls as interruptions.
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (Proverbs 17:17)
4. Am I praying . . . and how?
When I get too busy, I launch into my day without taking time to pray. Really pray. If God comes to mind at all, it’s for a minute or two before I charge out the door. My prayers are rushed. There’s little joy or gratitude.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
5. Am I ‘present’?
When I get busy, I emotionally ‘disappear’ to my family. I become detached and absent. Emotionally unavailable. My spirit isn’t present with my body. But when I slow down, my loved ones can ‘feel me’ even when I’m not there physically.
For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. (Colossians 2:5)
