A Letter to My Readers

Dear Friends and Sisters in Christ,

I realize I haven’t posted in quite awhile and I do apologize. There have been times where I sat down to write a new post, but to no avail. I have to admit, it has been frustrating. I wanted to write, but couldn’t think of what to write about. I know that sounds ridiculous considering we are in the middle of a pandemic and are in the midst of a political storm. I wish I could say I was one of those witty writers who knows what to say in the middle of a crisis, but I think I’ve proven I’m not that type. This year has been difficult and exhausting for me, just as I’m sure it has been difficult and exhausting for most of you.

Though this past year has been a challenge (which, funny enough, was my “word for 2020”), I have learned so much about myself. To begin with, I hate being outside my comfort zone for an extended period of time (I don’t mind a couple of weeks, but several months? Nope, don’t like it one bit). I also tend to think I can do. it. all, when really I can’t. Things fall through the cracks (this blog, for example). Something else I’ve learned, or rather re-learned about myself is that I do better with deadlines (yes, I’m taking that into consideration with regard to this blog).

One big lesson though that I keep thinking about is this: being too busy is not a good thing. Here’s why: when I’m too busy, I don’t have time to just “be.” To be still and know God is God, to be quiet and meditate on His word, to be focused on only one thing. When I’m busy, I’m fluttering here and there or moving from one task to another as my mind focuses on the next item on my to-do list. I’ve noticed a considerable change in me over the past couple of weeks as our schedules have slowed down due to the holiday season. I’ve actually had to time to sit and reflect on what God has shown me this year, to meditate on His word, and to think about different issues. I don’t feel overwhelmed or rushed, but rather relaxed and peaceful.

I bet I’m not the only one who allows herself to become too busy. There’s this mindset in society that says in order to be productive, we must be busy all the time. Go, go, go. Do, do, do. You are lazy if you’re not busy. I’m here to tell you that all of that is a lie. It’s okay to rest. It’s okay to spend time meditating on the Word of God (in fact, the more the better!). It’s okay to stop your work a little early in order to spend time with your family. I’m learning this lesson myself and have decided I need to set boundaries with my time and be more observant of the Sabbath.

Something else happens when we are too busy. Something just as detrimental as not being still. We lose relationships. Or rather, we lose the richness and the depth of relationships. It makes sense – how can you grow a relationship if you don’t invest in it? Investing in a relationship takes time. I sadly have to admit that I have told family and friends that I’m too busy to do whatever. I hate doing that. What I hate more is when my family and friends feel like they can’t ask anything of me because they think I’m too busy. That is not what I want for my relationships. I want my loved ones to know they can come to me about anything at any time because they are the priority. Don’t let your busyness alienate you from what is truly important in life – your relationship with God and with others.

Before ending this letter, I want to point out something regarding the previous two paragraphs. There may be more to busyness than meets the physical eye. Look at how being too busy keeps us from being still and knowing God is God and keeps us from investing in our relationships. Maybe being too busy is a tactic of our enemy – a spiritual attack against us. If we’re too focused on things and schedules and to-do lists, then we are not focused on God and others. Just something to think about.

Finally, I want to thank you for reading my posts. It means a lot to me and I will do better at posting new material throughout this year. I hope and pray this next year is easier for us all. And, if it’s not, please take comfort in our LORD. Seek after Him and let Him lead you. Happy New Year!