The Busyness Epidemic

Ecclesiastes 3:1- There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.

Ecclesiastes 3:12-13- I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil- this is the gift of God.

Increasingly, I have noticed that when I ask people how they are doing, they respond with "busy." Our society has become busier than ever and we are all feeling the effects.  I have counseled many people who are having difficulty achieving a healthy work/life balance. They feel a pressure, often internal, to get more accomplished at work, make more money, have their children involved in many activities, and maintain a fulfilling relationship with their spouse. For many of us, busy quickly becomes overwhelmed.

Is this the way God desires for us to live?

Ecclesiastes 3 references how there is a time for everything.  It goes on to show that there is nothing better for people that to be happy and find satisfaction in their work.

God's design for us includes a healthy work/life balance.  He wants us to be able to experience His great gifts. When we have balance in our lives, we are best positioned to receive those gifts.

When you find yourself experiencing anxiety or feeling overwhelmed by the demands on your time, ask yourself, "What am I trying to accomplish?" "Is my busyness part of a greater goal and does that goal honor God?" "Does my current schedule allow me to fully experience His presence or does it create an obstacle to my spiritual growth?"

We are all busy. Let your's have a purpose that makes God and family the priority. 

Questions:

1. In what area of your life do you experience the greatest challenge to maintaining balance? What has been the effect on your family? On your spiritual life?

2. What steps do you need to take to regain that balance?  What will be the effect on your life if you take these steps?  What will be the effect if you do nothing?