“It is not enough to be busy; so are the ants. The question is: what are we busy about?”
~ Henry David Thoreau
You’re busy.
You’re constantly running from one activity to the next.
You almost never have enough time to stop, to reflect, to rest.
But why? What’s driving the constant busyness?
Could it be fear of falling behind on your success plan?
Could it be fear of missing out on the next big thing around the corner?
Could it be an unconscious desire to appear more significant to others?
An opportunity to fast from busyness
Yesterday, I celebrated Ash Wednesday – the day that begins the season of Lent for many Christian denominations around the world. It is a forty-day period of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving (caring for the poor). It is a time to slow down in order to become more introspective about one’s own life.
It’s also an opportunity to strip away some of the busyness of modern life so we can focus on the few things that truly matter.
I’ve decided this year to fast from my excessive busyness. If you also struggle with excessive busyness, I hope you’ll consider joining me in this fast.
My Lenten Fast
When I’m tempted to go back home to grab something that can wait, I will gently say no.
When I’m tempted to immediately return a phone call that seems urgent, I will gently say no.
When I’m tempted to check my inbox incessantly, I will gently say no.
When I have 15 tabs running on my browser and I’m pulling my hair out (metaphorically speaking since I have no hair) because my computer is too slow to keep up, I’ll close all the tabs except the one I’m using now and I will gently say no.
When I’m tempted to worry excessively about things I can’t control, I will gently say no.
When I find myself saying yes to things I don’t have the time or inclination for, I will gently say no.
When I find myself saying yes because I’m afraid of disappointing others, I will gently say no.
When I find myself burning the midnight oil in order to be more productive, I will gently say no.
When I’m tempted to skip my early morning devotional reading because deadlines are pressing in, I will gently say no.
When I find myself choosing the next task on my to-do list over my family, I will gently say no.
Your Lenten Fast
Do you find yourself asking “What’s it all for?”
Do you yearn to spend quality time with those you love – including yourself?
Do you desire to rest your body, mind, and spirit?
It may be time to begin your own fast.
Again Cylon, your message comes exactly when I need to hear it. I JUST had to say no to a luncheon today with some dear friends, whom I miss. There’s so much on my plate right now and something had to give. Then your email came, timing is everything. Thank you and God bless.
Seems like the timing of the post confirmed that you made the right decision. I was actually going to publish another post and only got the inspiration to do this yesterday. You’re welcome and God bless you too during this Lenten season.
I am so busy, Cylon, I barely have time to thank you.
But, wait! I do.
Always time for the important stuff – thank you for a lovely reminder.
Haha…I’m so grateful that you take some of your precious time to read and comment on my posts – I really mean that 🙂 You’re most welcome.
Yes, perfect timing. This was really good.
You’re welcome 🙂
In this Jewish religion, Shabbat is a day to fast from busyness. Every Friday night thru Saturday night
Yes, the value and importance of the Sabbath seems sadly lost in our contemporary world. I think the Jewish Shabbat is a reminder of our spiritual roots and a good example to all.