But what is the alternative?
Do I just check-out and stop doing what I'm doing? There are real-world implications for such decisions. It is a realisation that I don't think I can do it!
Right now, I'm running a growing ministry with a task to help poor communities at risk of human trafficking. We do outreach programmes for children, families and youth to be more connected and valued. At the same time, I'm a dad to four very different children, two of whom are home-schooled.
But who's the home-school teacher and co-ordinator? Me!
Then I'm also responsible for the fundraising, strategic thinking and growth of the ministry. Then there's the running the house (paying the bills, doing the grocery shopping, banking and other essential tasks). I feel overwhelmed, but I don't see anywhere within my capacity to let anything go.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not super human. I struggle and fail in many ways. And I'm not a typical "busy" person who uses it as an excuse to shun others I "don't have time for". I try to always have time for visitors and others, even when things are overwhelming for me. I rarely use the excuse "I'm too busy". However, I do often let emails and other communication lapse. I don't properly read communications (which has led me to be in hot water on a number of occasions!). There's a great book by Bill Hybels entitled "Too busy not to pray". I must confess, I've never had the time or energy to read it myself (how ironic!). However, the title alone is all I need to know about where I should turn. There are two areas which I need to change going forwards from here:
1. Return to quiet times. Although I've just spent a year studying God's word and I'm continuing the enormous task of reading through my notes and meditating on the deep revelations I was getting over the year, I'm oftentimes neglecting a quiet time to just be with God.
2. Take a sabbath. Sundays are busy days. We help a local family whose mum is overseas working on a Sunday to take them to church. We have our "work" hats on when we meet with pastors and others on a Sunday. Saturdays are often family days where we're organising activities or ministry. Rarely is a Saturday a restful day! I need to discuss this with my wife, but I feel that maybe it's time for me to carve out a day in the week, when I just dwell in the presence of God and leave all my "to do's" undone for that day.
God designed us to work. He also designed us to rest. Rest isn't about "checking out" (which I easily do) or doom scrolling or watching movies (which I also do). Rest is about dwelling. As Bill Hybels calls it "slowing down". It's about not being in any particular hurry and not caring about deadlines or particular tasks. After not working, I easily struggle to get going again. Yet, when I've dwelled in His presence, I find myself renewed and refreshed. I find my mood is lighter and my desire to serve much stronger.
If you think about the encounter Jesus had with Mary and Martha, this epitomises this message. One was busy trying to "please" Jesus by serving him and preparing food (essential, especially in the culture), whilst the other just rested at his feet, knowing deep down that being in his presence was more important than anything else.
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