Too Busy

IT WAS THE BUSIEST WEEK that I can remember. While I transitioned from one assistant to another, both were scheduling speaking events for me. On paper, the schedule looked doable . . . unless there was a glitch. I can do this, I thought, as I approved the nearly impossible schedule. I justified my busyness since my husband and children also had full lives, but I was a bubble about to pop. I was too busy!

Are you too busy? Do you fall into the trap of believing that being busy is essential for thriving in today’s world? When you’re asked how you are doing, do you respond, “Busy!”? Are you too busy to prioritize responsibilities, take time with the Lord, relax with family, catch up with girlfriends, or maintain a healthy lifestyle? Burnout lurks around the corner, ready to pounce on overwhelmed, exhausted, juggling, multitasking, chronically busy women. In our fast-paced society, it’s easy to get caught up in the hectic busyness of life and to believe “buried in busyness” is the norm, the measure of a successful woman.

I flew to my first event on Monday and then to another on Tuesday. As I prepared to speak Tuesday evening, a violent thunderstorm rolled in and short-circuited the sound system and dimmed the lights. Not exactly what I had planned!

I also didn’t plan for the storm’s impact to close the local airport the following day. A gracious lady from the sponsoring church drove me to the next closest airport, three hours away, so I could travel to my third event. Two flights and multiple delays later, I arrived at my West Coast city at 2 a.m. Thursday morning, exhausted and minus my suitcase. The one person left at the airport to assist passengers promised to research the whereabouts of my missing luggage. After a few hours of sleep, I showered and put on the previous day’s outfit, which worked for my luncheon event. My hosts grew concerned, however, that I might have to wear it once more that evening for the dressy banquet.

Meanwhile, my entire family was in Hawaii. Don’t get the wrong idea—flying our family to Hawaii is not in our budget, but a close family friend flew every guest in for his son’s wedding. My flight was scheduled for the next morning and would get me there just in time for the rehearsal dinner, but it looked as if I would fly without my suitcase.

While my family and friends were praying, I was transitioning from being a “Martha” to being a “Mary.” Remember their story? Martha was busy preparing a meal for Jesus and His disciples while her sister, Mary, sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to His teaching. When Martha asked Jesus to make Mary help her with the work, Jesus kindly reminded her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details!” (Luke 10:41, NLT). Jesus appreciated Martha’s efforts, but she was so busy with details that she failed to focus, like Mary did, on the “one thing worth being concerned about” (Luke 10:42, NLT). I bristle when Martha is overly criticized, because we need a healthy dose of Martha in us to handle our myriad of responsibilities, but we also need the balance of her sister Mary’s heart to worship our Savior.

My heart was filled with hope when I gave the suitcase situation to the Lord. Employees at a nearby store helped me quickly find a dress and shoes for the evening banquet, and my hosts were relieved I’d been able to change clothes. The large event was one of my favorites. My heart was full of gratitude, and I slept peacefully that night.

The next morning, as I boarded my flight, I hugged the airline employee who had spent hours attempting to locate my suitcase. “It’s waiting for you at your next stop!” she exclaimed.

When I arrived at the huge airport, I was handed my elusive suitcase, the answer to many prayers. I thanked the Lord and couldn’t stop smiling—until I started crying. In the last city I ever expected to hear my favorite hymn, a tuxedo-clad man at a grand piano was playing,

When peace like a river attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll,

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,

“It is well, it is well with my soul.”^a

My prayer for all of us is that in spite of busy lives, it will be well with our souls.

REFLECTION

Determine to take at least one step today to transition from being a Martha to being a Mary. Take time to reflect on the Mary-Martha story in Luke 10 or another Scripture, and simply enjoy God’s presence. Ask Him to help you remember, even in the midst of the busyness, that spending time with Him is a priority today and every day.