busyness |ˈbɪzinis| noun having a great deal to do: the busyness of life kept her from enjoying herself.• full of activity: She’s had a very busy day.
In our world today, it seems as if the busier you are, the more esteemed and productive you appear. We love staying busy. It’s one of our favorite lines to use when we’re asked how we’re doing… “Oh, staying busy. You know, the kids, a growing business, the blog…” It almost makes us feel better about ourselves to show others that we are getting things done, and have no time to spare.
I recently heard a woman at a conference I was attending say, “I don’t want to be busy, I want to be fruitful.”
Something about that phrase stopped me right where I was, and I wanted the same thing. I want my life to produce good, substantial nourishment for myself and others–not just wasteful toiling that comes from being distracted by “busyness”.
Thanksgiving has passed, and December is here once more. Something about this incredible season of our Savior’s birth tends to bring more busyness to our schedules than actual rest and relaxation.
As I decorate my home with my kids, make lists of all the extra things I need to buy at the store for holiday meals, goodies and gifts–I’m reminded by the story in Luke 10:38-42 to slow down, enjoy this time with my children and take moments to rest in God’s presence.
“As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, ‘Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.’ But the Lord said to her, ‘My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.'” Luke 10:38-42
This is a verse that is a beautiful reminder for us in any season of the year, but it is especially significant during the holidays with the extra busyness, extra food preparation, extra family, and the extra drama those wonderful things might bring *grin*.
Try to take time, this holiday season, to rest. Now, “rest” might look different to each one of us–but find what it looks like to you, and just–be. Just be in the moment with your children. Just be interested and engaged in the time you have with your husband. Just enjoy the little moments you have with your extended family. Take time to just be, rest and enjoy sitting at the feet of Jesus.
After all, this season is all about us recognizing the significance of what He was born into the world to do. It’s a reminder of who He came to this world to save. That’s you. That’s me. Let’s take time this Christmas to slow down, to rest, and to enjoy every little moment.
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me–watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30
I love The Message version of that verse. Learn to get away with Him, and you’ll recover your life. Remember, we can’t pour out what we ourselves do not have. If you don’t take time to rest and slow down, you will burn out–and you will have nothing to give.
Take time to rest, and take time to enjoy every little moment.
Happy December!
XO-
Sabrina