“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10
“Lord, how did I get so busy?”
This was the title of the book that immediately got my attention in the bookstore. The book opened up with an assessment to determine your level of busyness. The four levels were busy, too busy, busy and frantic, and out of control. My score was level two — too busy — and I was actually relieved. After I placed the book back on the shelf, I said to myself, “I don’t need this book; I’m just ‘too busy.’ It’s not like I’m ‘busy and frantic’ or ‘out of control.’”
Then I stopped and realized that I was actually proud of being too busy. It was also the nudge I needed to buy the book.
How did we get so busy?
We live in a society that practically glorifies being busy, grinding 24/7 and working ourselves to exhaustion. Who has time to be still, when our lives are full of school, work, family, commitments and obligations?
Who has time to slow down and be still? Seriously, who?
Jesus did.
“The next morning he was up long before daybreak and went out alone into the wilderness to pray.” (Mark 1:35)
Jesus regularly took time to be alone, time out from service, time out from disciples and from those who needed him. (Read Matt. 14:23; Luke 22:41; John 6:15.) If Jesus could take time out from healing, teaching, preaching, leading, traveling and guiding, then what is our excuse?
Last week, I had the opportunity to travel with a group to Rome, Italy. It is a busy and bustling city, yet I never felt rushed. Our tour guide was constantly reminding us, “Relax, you are in Italy … take time to soak up and enjoy the experience.” We literally walked all over Rome, yet I did it at my own pace. The city was filled with activity, yet I discovered there was a more relaxed approach that encourages you to savor and appreciate each moment. It’s a contrast to the fast-paced, rushed, I-need-it-now approach that most of us have in America. Italy reinforced the importance of being intentional about incorporating rest into my regular schedule, not just for special occasions. It has to be a part of our day-to-day.
It was during this rest time that I took time to read an article that a friend had posted. It was about an activist who was busy being involved and committed to his community. He had reached the point of exhaustion, pouring out so much to others and not refilling his own spirit. It came to the point where it was completely overwhelming, and he almost took his life. Yet in that moment, he found out that he wasn’t alone. As he sat in the hospital room, friends gathered around him and shared similar situations and how they coped. Some shared that they simply stepped back and took a break. It restored relationships, their peace of mind and spirit. That is another reason rest is so important.
There is so much around us that can disturb our peace and spirit, whether it’s the devastation from literal hurricanes or that of political storms. My heart has been praying and grieving at the overwhelming #MeToo messages that have been flooding timelines, reminding us of all of those who have been sexually harassed or assaulted.
But life is too busy for us to not to be still, so consider these steps:
Designate an accountability partner: Ask someone to hold you accountable. I have a friend who texts me once a week and asks me what I did that week for self-care.
Be intentional: Take the time to purposely schedule moments of rest for yourself, just as intentionally as you calendar other work-, school- or home-related appointments for others. Whether it’s 15 minutes to journal, a social media mini-fast or a short walk, honor your boundaries. You’re worth it.
Connect: Telephone someone instead of texting. Arrange face-to-face, real-time conversations. Reach out and check on one another.
Treasure and savor each moment. After all, you’re never too busy to be still.
Minister Sheila P. Spencer is an author, educator and poet. She can be contacted at CustomMadeInspiration@gmail.com, and her website is sheilapspencer.com.
