In Other Words--Busyness

“Busyness is not a spiritual gift.”
From an interview with
~ Lisa Harper ~

I could easily be a hamster spinning in a wheel this week--lots of output and getting no where fast. Busyness is calling my name. Unpack. Laundry. Iron. Sort clothes out of the closets. Plan meals. Prepare meals. Clean kitchen. Teach the girls. Go shopping. Go to the library. Write. Catch up on email. And on and on the list goes. And that is just home stuff. There is also "ministry" stuff--Prepare Bible Study. Plan lunch with the ladies. Go to PDC. Email Prayer Chain. And more.

But the question comes down to this: Is my busyness really accomplishing anything for the Kingdom of God or for developing God's character in me. And the answer is: no. All of those things can be good things to do, but when I am doing them just because I have to accomplish them, they are lots of output and no progress.

But when I stop and ask God to accomplish through me what He would have accomplished today amazing things happen. Two specific things happen--my true spiritual gifts are used and the fruit of the spirit is developed in me. How, you ask? Because the activity becomes more than busyness.
Preparing Bible Study becomes an extension of my gift of teaching, rather than something to check off my list.
Teaching Flower and Jewel develops self-control in me as I discipline and teach them right from wrong rather than problem manage behavior.
Preparing meals with the girls teaches them how to manage tasks and grow to be women who will manage their own homes.
Ironing shirts develops joy in me as I praise God for the husband He gave me and who provides for our family.
Yet another load of laundry develops perseverence that the task can be managed and develops thankfulness for the abundance God gives.
Yielding my day to God develops meekness that I can't do it all myself--especially as I see Him accomplish everything on my list and I don't feel "busy" but "empowered."

Busyness is not a spiritual gift. God calls us to be steadfast with the tasks that He prepares for us, but He does not want us to do those tasks in our strength. He expects us to depend on Him to accomplish the tasks of our day. Then He will develop our gifts in us. Amazing! (If you haven't read Cyndi's post at CWO Cafe last Friday go read it now. She talks about giving our days to Jesus in a much more articulate way than I could ever dream. Her post has gone a long way to allow God to change my heart this week. Don' miss it!)

Heavenly God, help me to discern this week the tasks that you call me to do and those that are just "busy" on my list. Help me to hand them over to you and be a conduit through which you work. May the things I accomplish this week bring You glory, and may they be a part of your plan to make me more like You. Amen.

Christine at Fruit in Season is our hostess this week for In Other Words. Please visit here to read what others are writing.