The Curse of Busyness

January 24, 2012

In our American culture we have endless opportunities to do what ever we want and most of it is right at our finger tips. Most of us will sacrifice the most important things we possess, time and relationships, to have what we think we need.

We have got to realize that when we say ‘yes’ to something, even if it is a good thing, we are saying ‘no’ to something else, because in all reality there is only an allotted about of time each day.

One of my greatest regrets in life is not saying ‘no’ more often. When my children were younger I thought I could do it all, I believed our children needed to be involved in as much as they could so they would be well-rounded. I believed I could homeschool and also pour in hours and hours…and hours of  teaching and directing kindergarten, being VERY active in every church activity, leading co-ops, taking every available field trip, being involved in community groups (community ladies’ groups, quilting guilds, etc…), AND then throw in taking the children to sports and music lessons.

But what I was really doing was chasing the wind. Being busy, even for good causes, can be anything but good. I look back on those years with such regret, I don’t regret all of it, but most of it I do. What I should have been doing was spending more time at home. I should have been teaching my children to be content being productive without busyness. I should have said ‘no’ more often.

There are seasons for activity, but not near what our culture demands. There are times for ‘church work’, but I honestly believe that most of that can be done more efficiently through relationships and hospitality, but it’s hard to have relationships and practice hospitality when homes are not intact and peaceful.

When we say ‘yes’ to activities that constantly

• drive us away from home
• drive us away from truly communicating with each other
• drive us away from keeping the laundry done, the house in order and meals made
• drive us from training our children to be skilled and well-mannered

this is nothing but chasing the wind.

You have to guard your time

and

the time of your children fervently.

What are you saying ‘yes’ to? More importantly, what are you saying ‘no’ to? 

• How often do you sit at your family dinner table with all of your family?
• How often do you spend an hour or two in the evenings just talking and playing together?
• How often do you read together?
• Are you serious about your children learning good manners?
• Are you diligent about your children knowing skills to equip them for real life?
• Does your family live within your means, spending money wisely?
• Do your children accept being told ‘no’ graciously or do they feel entitled?
• Does your family have time to be of service to others?
• The activities you choose, will they really help your children reach their long term goals?
• Do your activities help you fulfill your God-given roles?
• Do your children understand their God given role for life?
• Are you teaching your children how to choose best over good?
• Is there harmony and love within the walls of your home?

Guard your time! Choose activities that will:

• preserve and build relationships
• enable your home to be a place of love and peace
• encourage good works
• allow for serving others
• equip with skills for real life
• bring lasting fruit, eternal fruit.

“I did not restrain myself from getting whatever I wanted;

I did not deny myself anything that would bring me pleasure.

So all my accomplishments gave me joy; this was my reward for all my effort.

Yet when I reflected on everything I had accomplished

and on all the effort that I had expended to accomplish it,

I concluded:

“All these achievements and possessions are ultimately profitless –

like chasing the wind!

There is nothing gained from them on earth.

Ecclesiastes 2:10-11

Topics: Character Lesson, Home Education, Parenting, Teaching Them Well | 4 Comments »