I'm So Busy.
About a year ago I posted on my Instagram that I “refused to wear busyness as a badge of honor.” I still stand by that statement, though it is tempting to stray from it as I am currently the busiest I’ve ever been in my entire life. Call me braggadocious but sometimes I want people to know just how busy I am.
I’m not sure why, though.
I don’t know that it will bring me any accolade, after all we’re all busy.
And this is the realization I have had: We’re all busy.
Whether it’s the latest TV show or movie, a book I’ve been dying to read, or creative project I can’t get out of my head, my mind feels like it never turns off. I have two daughters now. My wife’s photography business is gaining more traction by the day. My volunteerism and career have only increased my time commitments, but what do I have to show for any of it?
Sure, I’m making a difference in people’s lives, and sure this is what it means to “work hard,” but as I continue through the motions I always come up short. I suppose this is where the Gospel comes in. My understanding of God leaves me ripe for grace. God does the heavy lifting, I’m called to merely receive the love and mercy.
Amidst the chaos I breathe.
Yes my day is filled with talking and thinking and dreaming and doing and going, but God reminds me to breathe. Jocelyn K. Glei asks,
“Who are you without the doing?”
I almost had a melt down a couple weeks ago as four different people told me they were “so busy” and that’s why they didn’t do x,y, and z. I’ve learned I cannot control people (much to my dismay- insert winking face here) but I can control me.
A new challenge has arisen.
Yes, may busyness never be a badge of honor but may it also never be a banner for excuse. After all, everyone is busy. Everyone has 24-hours in a day. My lack of doing is not because I am “too busy” but because I didn’t make it a priority. As I walk into the rush and business of the holiday season, may I remember that who I am is far more complex than just what I do.
-Louis
