We often think “busy” equals “importance.” The busier we are, the more important we feel. But if you are trying to balance your life, you can understand how being busy just makes you too busy. When your schedule is jam-packed, you don’t have time for fun, or family, or friends. Instead of packing your schedule full of “to-dos,” try making a “Stop Doing” list so you can free up some time for rest, relaxation, family, and other things that don’t have deadlines. The following post shows you how to stop your old habits and learn how to make room for your new priorities.
"Stop Doing" by Boyd Bailey
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42
American culture is plagued by hyperactivity without productivity. We think being busy equals importance or a frantic pace is a path to success. Like a pack mule loaded down with an overabundance of supplies, we pack our calendar to the breaking point. We play mind games with ourselves that busyness is what’s best for our family, but the real outcomes are: relational emptiness, health challenges and irritable emotions. We even justify being over active for Jesus.
Perhaps a wiser start to the year is a stop doing list. As Jesus instructed Martha, we need to take an inventory of our activities and ask what is really needed. What has served its purpose for a season, but is now unnecessary, even an obstacle to what’s best? Let go of emotional attachments and embrace margin for meaningful relationships. Is it time to stop a sports program, a long commute or a tired volunteer role? Become better with contemplation and strategic availability.
When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. Matthew 18:18
It takes courage to take the route trafficked infrequently, but the ride is less stressful and more enjoyable. Avoid going where everyone else is going, nowhere fast. A fast track is too fast when it starves our faith. We find ourselves with very little left over time for prayer, Bible study, worship and community. Give what’s important first priority on the calendar. Worry works itself out of a job when we work out our bodies, feed our minds, heal our emotions and rest our souls.
By faith, stop doing something each week or month that has passed its prime time. Be patient to not rush and fill a gap in your calendar with crowded appointments. Blocks of discretionary time give you availability for spontaneous service. Yes, take a step back from the myopic trees bunched together, so you can see the imaginative forest of faith. Anyone can be busy, some can be productive, but few walk by faith and watch God do more. So, stop doing good to do better.
Read
Psalm 27:4
Pray
Heavenly Father, give me the faith to let go of the good so I can enjoy Your best.
Reflect
What items on my task list are things I don’t need to do?
Respond
Create a “Don’t List” where you can put the items and tasks that no longer line up with your priorities or new definition of success.
Taking inventory of what you do and asking yourself if you really need to do it will help you narrow down and eliminate the things that are keeping you too busy. Learn how to embrace meaningful relationships, slow down and listen to God, and stop making yourself too busy. This practice of taking inventory will help you stay closer to a state of work/life balance. The next post will give you the final element you need in your life to keep it all balanced.
