Busyness is productive. It requires creativity and it produces fruits. But being too busy robs us of our peace and calmness. How do we know the difference between being too busy and being productive?
Martha was a do-er who did not want her guests to go hungry. Yet Jesus gently said that Mary had chosen the right way. I can’t imagine inviting guests into my home and not having anything prepared for them to eat or drink. That’s the defining trait of the do-er. But sometimes, all that doing leaves little time for the most important thing.
The disciple Peter was also an impulsive do-er. He didn’t like to sit around and wait for things to happen. As a result, he sometimes missed the moments of peace God desired to give to him. Do-ers DO get things done, like we read in John 21, where the disciples were fishing the whole night but caught nothing. A Stranger, (Jesus) told them to throw the nets on the opposite side of the boat and the nets caught 153 fish. John recognised the Stranger as Jesus and said so. IMMEDIATELY Peter jumped into the water to go to Jesus, and when Jesus wanted some of the fish to cook for them, Peter went back into the water to the boat,” climbed into it and dragged the net ashore.” (John 21:11) Peter’s activities needed much strength but he so badly wanted to please his Master and Saviour!
In Matt. 17:2-4 we read more about Peter who was with Jesus, James and John when Jesus was transfigured. “There He (Jesus) was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’”
“WHILE he (Peter) was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. LISTEN to him!’” Matthew 17:5.
God knew Peter’s heart, and He knew why Peter responded to this life-changing moment with an act of busyness disguised as an act of service. Because do-ers like to feel needed, accepted, and valued, so God got Peter’s attention. He interrupted Peter while he spoke and commanded him to listen. Does God need to interrupt me and tell me to listen when my thoughts or deeds are too active? Or will I be ready when the moment arrives?
Being busy is not always a bad thing. Being fruitful is good, but it’s possible to get too busy and miss the peace God desires to give to us. One of my close friends talked about one time when she was too busy one day, to give much attention to one of the little orphans whom she was in charge of at a large mission station. One day, when my friend was busy helping to serve important guests who came to visit, the little lass sat close to the doorway where my friend passed by, with her hands full each time. But one time, when my friend had nothing in her hands, the little one grabbed her hands and said in a sweet, loving voice, “Can I be busy with you?” Jesus desires to be busy with us too. He longs for us to make space for Him during the business of our days.
Precious Saviour, please forgive me when I am too busy to find the calm peace to sit at Your feet and talk to You. Please forgive me when I impulsively rush about my daily work and do not take the time to read Your Word and learn from You. I need You so very much! I want to long for You and Your presence like a thirsty deer longs for water. (Psalm 42) Help me to NOT leave You out of my every day thoughts, plans and actions because I know that when You are included in all that I do, that success will reign and You will be glorified.
Myrtle Turunen