October 12, 2002

"Busy" is the quintessential "four-lettered word." Too busy for family---too busy to communicate as husband and wife---too busy to listen/understand a small child. "Passing like ships in the night" describes all too many of our families.

Corrie ten Boom, heroic survivor of Nazi death camps was never a wife or a mother, but she was "on target" when she said: "If the devil cannot make us bad, he will bake us busy."

"Mom, you are a wonderful cook, and you had everything so clean and you were tired so much from doing all those things that made you busy; but, you know something, Mom? I would have liked crackers and peanut butter just as well if you had only sat down with me a while during the day and said to me: Tell me all about it so I can maybe help you understand." - excerpt of a letter from a boy with a record as a juvenile delinquent.

We are just too busy! Too busy to realize that our spouse has feelings too; too busy to let my child interrupt me while I watch TV; too busy to try to understand the complaints of my associates at work; too busy...too busy...too busy!

When did we get too busy? Did it happen all at once, or did we gradually evolve into other preoccupations?

I think that people who are "too busy" for family...for friends...for taking care of physical and mental health were first too busy for God. Too busy for worship; too busy for sitting quietly before God waiting to hear that still small voice that sets our watches by the clock that runs the universe.

I find that when I become too busy doing the work of God to take time out and wait quietly for God to speak to me, I soon become too busy for my wife---too busy for my children---too busy for my friends---too busy to take care of my health---too busy---too busy!

If you find your self too busy, for your family, check and see if you have not previously become too busy for God. To change your situation, start by making time for God and see if you don't find yourself having time for family, friends, and self.

I would love to hear from some of my "busy readers" on this matter. I am wondering if there are people who have time for God (worship and personal devotional time) and do not have time for spouse, children, and self. If this is true for you, give me a call. Don't let me stumble along in a state of delusion.