THE BUZZ OF BUSYNESS

I realized my buzz’s temporary dulling of a long-term ache was too high a price to pay, considering its potential to make me vulnerable to unwanted advances or attack. Thank God for his protection, but there had to be a better way. And I found him, but I’ll get to that later.

Maybe alcohol isn’t your anxiety reliever of choice, maybe you pop pills or smoke a little something to quiet your nagging inner critic, or maybe you use the most socially acceptable drug of all—busyness.

The activity praised, along with its cousins, hustle and grind. Busyness has you up and down, running going to a fro, looking productive but accomplishing little.

But, while busyness gives you something to brag about on social, its real appeal is how it keeps you from dealing with the truth of your situation.

ONE THING IS NECESSARY

Martha knew all about that. She went off on Jesus because while she was running in a million directions fixing dinner for him, her sister Mary sat at his feet, receiving the truth. I could only imagine what Jesus shared with her, but it was too riveting for her to turn away. Makes me wonder why Martha had no interest in getting in on the lesson.

Her frustration level and Jesus’ response lead to me believe this wasn’t the first time this happened, just the first time she spoke up about it.

But the Lord replied to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered and anxious about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part [that which is to her advantage], which will not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:41-42 AMP

How come Martha couldn’t sit still? Did someone give her the impression her value was only in her accomplishment, leaving her on a never-ending treadmill of working to be worthy?

Or was busyness the only way to drown out anxiety, a nagging worry, or a haunting past she didn’t feel safe to share with anyone—even Jesus.

Who knows, but there’s something about the buzz of busyness that’s comforting enough to distract you from your troubles, and deceptive enough to convince you that busy hands overcome a burdened heart.

CHASING THE BUZZ

My mom is one of those women who can’t keep still to save her life. My dad and I would sit and watch her move around the house in a flurry of activity and my dad, would often say,” Sit down, May, you’re too haunted (a West Indian colloquialism meaning it’s like a ghost is haunting you).”

I thought her non-stop activity was just what moms do. You know the whole “a woman’s work is never done” type of thing. But when my family started praying I’d find time to relax, and a close relative of mine couldn’t even allow herself to recover from surgery because the stillness drove her crazy, I knew our busyness gave us a buzz that sedated our sorrows.

You rely on busyness to numb the pain of your past or the sorrow of your present. You count on busy to drown out your soul’s lament.

Can I be real with you? Your busyness can’t ever outrun your soul’s cry. You’re only wearing your body out trying to do so. And Jesus wants you to live a long, satisfying life.

You are bombarded every day with messages from the news, social media, your parents, your past, and your peers that are full of anxiety. They take up space in your soul and play over and over.

You’re not the only one.

I don’t doubt Mary and Martha had the same experience. And while Martha tried to drown out her anxious thoughts with busyness, Mary realized the key was to hear someone different. She sat at Jesus’ feet to do the one thing necessary—hear him. His words give life.

Take some time every day to sit in silence and solitude: away from others with no electronics. Imagine! Yes, it’s possible.

BUZZ OFF, BUSY!

Start with 15 minutes each day. I love to sit outside and watch the sunset, but choose a setting you enjoy.

You will have thoughts, thoughts you now can’t push down with activity. Thoughts you’ve likely been avoiding because they scare you.

B r e a t h e.

Journal. Feel the feelings in Jesus’ presence. He’s with you, always has been. Hear him. Write what he says. Let Jesus show you he’s God over what confronts you in your stillness. Because you can only deal with what you’re willing to face.

And if you need help to process your feelings, involve a trusted counselor. But nothing replaces intentional times of stillness, silence, and solitude in the presence of the One who loves you perfectly. It’s food for your soul longing to be seen, known, and loved.

I’m rooting for you!

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