"Jesus Was Never Busy"

Those words are the title of an essay in Elisabeth Elliot's book The Music of His Promises. I've been feeling overwhelmed lately with the busy-ness of December - in spite of all my efforts to keep it un-busy. This entry I read during my quiet time really struck me. Elisabeth says...
To be busy is to be engaged in an occupation which makes it inconvenient to be disturbed. [Jesus] was at the disposal of His Father at all times and therefore at the disposal of all whom the Father sent to Him. There was never a sign of moodiness, selfishness, offense, boredom, or busyness...We can learn to see every minute of our day as His, not ours...Knowing where we come from and to Whom we are going relieves us of the anxiety that makes us so fussy and so hard to live with.
(The Music of His Promises (2000 edition), pp 158-159)
I have been very fussy and hard to live with these last few days. My mind is full of all the things I have to do to prepare for Christmas. Mind you, nearly all the things I have to do are for my family. And yet, I fell put out if any of those same family members interrupt me! I feel the pressure of trying to do all the shopping, baking, cleaning, and hosting (not to mention applying the proper spiritual emphasis or attending recitals, pageants, etc.) while managing the studies of three students and training two very intense toddlers. Sometimes it feels like my whole day is nothing but a string of interruptions!
I heard another great comment recently by Dr. Richard Swenson, author of the book, Margin. He said that you never see Jesus rushing in the Bible. He always had time for the people around him. He was never "busy." December is such an easy time to lose the "margin" in our time, energy, and emotional reserves.
Lord forgive me for not submitting every minute of my day to You, as belonging to You. Forgive me for placing my own agenda each day above Yours. Help me to place my own plans aside, even if it means my "to do list" doesn't get done. Help me to rest in the knowledge that whatever interruptions come, "This is the day that the Lord has made."

Comments

jennifer h said…
I need to keep this in mind, too. It is so easy to get snippy with the children this time of year when I'm busy doing stuff to make their Christmas great. Ironic, huh?
December 12, 2007 at 1:11 PM
Ve said…
good for you - recognize your problem, confess it, repent, start over. As you know, I'm feeling similarly (though probably not over the same stuff). Go get "considerable grace" at Tara Barthel's blog if you can at some point (there's a link on my blog). Love ya.
December 12, 2007 at 1:13 PM
Mike Tant said…
Jen - thanks for the reminder. I would love to say that I never have problems being patient with interruptions but everyone would know I am stretching the truth. The big impact for me was in thinking about my prayer life. Too many times I just assume God is not listening because I don't get an immediate answer. In fact, Jesus is just as interested in hearing my prayer, one-on-one, as he was to minister to people while he was on earth. Love you.
December 12, 2007 at 7:09 PM
my4loveys said…
Great post! I am soooo guilty of that, so thanks for the reminder.

My daily goal lately has been to slow down and "attempt" to have a peaceful house. Not sure how I'm doing! :P
December 13, 2007 at 10:16 PM
Wendy said…
Thanks for the reminder.
December 14, 2007 at 10:27 AM
Mary@notbefore7 said…
I have been wanting to leave more margin in my life as well. Some of it started with eliminating...like the Christmas letter and just doing a photo. (at least this year)

Elizabeth Elliot rocks! I need to get my nose back in some of her books. You always have great quotes by her and they are so on target!!!!

Hope you are recovering from the colds...we got them again....
December 14, 2007 at 10:27 PM
Kate said…
You've got my AMEN on this one. Miss you!
December 16, 2007 at 9:22 AM
Kasie @ ~The Art of Life~ said…
Wow! That is such a wonderful thought and honestly, a convicting one! How often do I find myself busy trying to "do" things for God instead of just living for Him?
Thanks for the reminder! :)
December 19, 2007 at 5:55 PM
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