In a culture that often equates busyness with success, it’s easy to wear our packed schedules as badges of honor. But is being perpetually busy really something to be proud of?
Many of us find ourselves caught in the whirlwind of daily tasks, convinced that a hectic life is a fruitful one. Yet, is this non-stop busyness truly leading us to the meaningful lives we crave?
Here’s a reflection on shifting from being merely busy to being profoundly present:
1. The Myth of Constant Productivity Once, being busy seemed essential to my identity. Before becoming a parent, my life was a flurry of activities and projects. It was only after I slowed down to care for my child that I started to question the value I had placed on constant busyness. Was I actually content with who I was and what I had accomplished? This period of reflection made me realize that while I was busy, I wasn’t necessarily present or making meaningful connections.
2. The Value of People Over Projects It’s easy to get caught up in the doing and forget about the being. During my busiest days, even though I was engaged in work that was meant to help others, I found myself occasionally overlooking the very people I aimed to serve. The mission, as crucial as it was, sometimes overshadowed the individuals it was designed to help. This was a hard truth to face, but it reshaped my understanding of true service.
3. Reflecting on True Significance In the hustle to achieve and influence, we might wrap ourselves in the facade of significance. However, true significance often comes not from the volume of work done but from the depth of relationships formed and the genuine presence we offer to those around us. This requires us to pause, assess our actions, and ensure they align with our deepest values and convictions.
4. Being Present, Not Just Productive The shift from being busy to being present involves embracing moments as they come, without the incessant need to control or dominate our schedules. It means valuing interactions over transactions and relationships over accomplishments. When we choose presence, we invest in what truly matters—people.
5. Love as the Measure of Success Jesus taught that our love for one another would mark us as His followers (John 13:35). This means that our success should not be measured by our productivity but by our capacity to love and be present with one another. Whether we are busy or not, our ability to love defines our true effectiveness.
6. Asking the Right Questions To maintain this focus on what truly matters, we must regularly assess our motives and actions by asking ourselves key questions:
- Does this align with my core values and convictions?
- Is my current path sustainable and fulfilling in the long term?
- Are the sacrifices I’m making worth the outcomes?
- Am I stewarding well what God has given me?
Ultimately, the shift from busyness to meaningful presence isn’t just about doing less; it’s about being more—more engaged, more attentive, and more loving. It’s about realizing that our worth isn’t tied to how much we accomplish but to how deeply we connect with God and those He has placed in our lives.
As we reconsider our approach to daily living, let’s choose to value presence over hustle and relationships over schedules. Let’s remember that in the kingdom of God, being present is more significant than being busy.
