With so many people talking about slowing down these past few weeks, I’ve found that I am not one of them. Although my work looks differently at home than it did in the office, I still find myself working very full days. Sure, some responsibilities have been replaced with others – and even exchange of sorts. And finding new systems to accomplish a familiar task can take some time to navigate. I’ve even taken some time to refresh my operations manual and some other items that need periodic updating. But the slower days have not arrived.
We used to tease my grandmother about the spring on her bum. Each time she would sit down, she’d suddenly jump up and run off to do whatever had settled into her mind as she settled in to her rocking chair. All of us would giggle as she scurried off to another room, happily doing whatever had been left undone. Then she’d come back moments later with a smile and an invitation to come sit on her lap or show us what we were coloring. She joyfully loved her family with acts of service.
Later in life, I recognized that Grandma was always busy for her family but she was always present with her family too. I think somewhere along the line, I learned an unhealthy habit from observing a loving gesture – I didn’t have the balance that she seemed to master and I quickly found myself on a slippery slope of busy. It wasn’t until years later that I learned filling time with things to do is not a holy act of love.
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10
The Lord is clear here that He has prepared good works in advance for us to do. He definitely has work for us to complete! However, He does not say that we need to continually be in Do Mode. God has prepared good works for us and, because He is God, it hasn’t slipped His mind that He also created us for rest. So it is impossible for Him to overschedule us! Now that I am working from home, the lines have become blurred. Despite my best efforts to maintain balance, I find the temptation to “just do this one last thing” resulting in me overscheduling myself! Compound that with the stress that comes from our world’s current situation and I am likely to burn out during this “slower season.”
So, here I am again, being transparent with you about my familiar challenge. I am reevaluating how I address my responsibilities and recommitting to being aware of time gaps that don’t need to be filled. I am deciding to be brave and accept the gift of a slower pace when it presents itself because I also know that I am extraordinarily disciplined with my work responsibilities.
And I suspect that I’m not alone.
May I encourage you to take a deep breath? Take an honest look at what you are holding and ask the Lord if there is anything that you’ve picked up by yourself. Be brave and ask if there is anything you have filled open time with that doesn’t need to be there. He is gentle and faithful to reveal the unnecessary. And once that has been lifted, your hands will be free to hold His. You will be free to receive what He has intended for you. The frenzy will settle and the clamor will quiet so you are able to hear Him whisper…
You are adored.
You Are Adored 