“The opposite of busy in today’s world is sustained, focused attention. It is deep engagement in activities that really matter to us, or in conversations with those we care about.”
~ Tony Crabbe, Busy: How to thrive in a world of too much
I wake early and take the opportunity to finish the book I’ve been reading. Then tired, fall back asleep, waking the second time later than normal, setting the tone for the day as slightly off kilter.
Wishing for a quiet day at home but there are things to be done. I will go about the day–pausing to worship with my church family, then getting things done–longing to have time for that deep engagement in activities that matter.
As I write this I realize that the things I fill my day with today do matter–a lot, in fact–and that there will be time for those other activities by and by.
”’Tis the season for busyness it seems. In this season of my life I have little patience for busy so I push through feeling somewhat bristly.
Recalling a conversation with my daughter recently about recognizing a tendency she has for putting so much pressure on herself to make things wonderful that she ends up with a migraine and unable to enjoy the occasion. Yes. Must be a genetic tendency.
Pausing now, I pray. A fresh attitude, a new outlook, an abundance of gratitude, strength to push through, wisdom to go of what needs to be let go of.
And onward.
Linda, I so identify with you. I am determined to stay focused on the real meaning of this season and not fall into the trap of trying to make everything perfect which causes so much stress. Since I am still struggling somewhat after my knee replacement, I invited my nine year old grand daughter to help me decorate the tree on Sat….Linda, it is the best tree ever…Is it perfect…no….would I have done it the way she did….no…but as I have sat and looked at the tree decorated with the hands of a child, I am finding I will not change anything because it is perfect. My heart is full of gratitude that God saw fit to bless me with a grand child who has the gift of helps and creativity…..I hope you have a blessed day….
Oh, Nancy, I love this. I am picturing that tree in my mind and the memories you made with your granddaughter as you sat and watched her decorate. I bet this will turn out to be a treasured memory she has of time spent with her grandmother that she carries with her for the rest of her life. Priceless.
Wishing you a blessed and peaceful Christmas season as we both look past the busyness and find the real treasure.
I agree that we should concentrate and focus on those things (and people!) that matter most to us. My job – I have to do that and I concentrate as best I can when I’m there. But after, I try to tend to myself, my family, my friends. I make time for special people. I do not like when I try to engage someone and they say they are “too busy.” Translate – they are too busy for me or care little for me. So I concentrate on those that engage me and care about me enough to make time for me.
Exactly, Karen. Busyness reveals priorities.