Sometimes in life we get so caught up in the swing of life that we forget just how to take a breather. We get caught up in being BUSY with the rat race of work, church or school that we rarely leave anytime for self, relaxation and really get to know the fiber and essence of God. This mundane behavior causes us to easily become burned out and lose true passion and worship for the one and the things that once gave us pure joy. This is why Balance and Boundaries are key to maintaining an effective lifestyle and mindset. Learning how to replenish and preserve your tank each day is necessary to deter oneself from becoming empty.
The whirlwind of life can also provoke a wind of busyness that distorts being business minded; (focusing on the business of Christ). “The Business of Christ” is centered in a relationship of trust, surrender, and rest. Many individuals; those in the church culture struggle or suffer with this, the syndrome of confusing being busy (service) with relationship. This confusion contributes to the major conflict between Mary and Martha. One sought service (doing) and the other craved relationship, sitting at the feet of Jesus (being). The actions of both Mary and Martha are significant. But without being in true relationship (covenant, communion, partnership, fellowship), you strongly stand the risk of misconstruing service for relationship, which then leads to becoming burned out from misappropriate movements and dealings. I can imagine Jesus in Luke 10:39 when he gently says “Martha you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is needed.” In other words, you can safely say that Martha was preoccupied with the wrong/non-essential things at that time.
Wow! Anxious. Preoccupied. Did those words just open your lungs, like it expanded mine? What a bountiful blessing it is: to be nudged towards a proper direction by Jesus, the Savior. Author Randy Kilgore provides us with a remedy regarding the latter statement. He declares; “Slow down and invest yourself in knowing God; let his word reveal himself to you. If you are too busy to spend time with God, you are too simply too busy.” Establishing the difference and the discipline of knowing when to do and when to be is paramount. However, you have to discover what that looks like for you personally.
I recognize slowing down is never easy, however, it is essential to slow down voluntarily before circumstances force you to slow down. Affording yourself the beauty of settling the soul, taking in the sound of water/serenity, and listening to the word of God is an amazing investment that will change your life forever. The settling should not be approached from the perspective of boredom, or needing to hear or speak, but with careful consideration. The value of listening and receiving is the gateway to balance and revelation. Therefore, when you feel yourself beginning to slip back into the routine or the need to always be in “action” mode, reflect on the passion that once drew you into Christ, or your true passion in life. Regain your perspective discovered in cultivated balance, so that you may enjoy life and live it more abundantly.
