The Busyness Bandaid

Sometimes, it's not life's demands that keep us overly busy but rather the need to run from something. We keep ourselves busy to avoid dealing with our troubles or to keep our minds from spiraling out of control with worries and frustrations. The thought of rest scares us.

Let me tell you, when I attempt to sit still and do nothing, my mind wanders faster than a toddler in a toy store. I fret about circumstances so far beyond my control that I might as well try to lasso the moon. I ruminate over past missteps until I've practically worn a groove in my brain. It's less daunting to immerse myself in a flurry of activity than to confront those fears and regrets head-on. I find solace in the familiar rhythm of my daily tasks as if folding laundry and scrubbing toilets can keep the shadows at bay. (Spoiler alert: they can't, but at least my whites are whiter, and my bathroom sparkles!)

Ironically, my constant striving for perfection in all aspects of my life only fuels my anxiety and self-doubt. I desire to be the best wife, missionary, and author I can be, but I often fall short of my lofty expectations. This, in turn, leads to a vicious cycle of overworking and exhaustion that would make even the Energizer Bunny throw in the towel.

All this hustle and bustle is merely a temporary bandaid. The more we postpone confronting our fears and regrets, the more they grow. Rather than seeking solace in distractions or fleeting comforts (I'm looking at you, chocolate cake), it would serve us better to invest our time and energy in drawing closer to Jesus. He is the wellspring of tranquility and the only one capable of guiding us through our trials and tribulations without getting lost or needing to stop for directions. As it says in Philippians 4:7, "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

By seeking refuge in Jesus, we not only find solace in our times of need but also grow stronger in our faith, better equipped to handle whatever life throws our way. After all, it is through Him that all things are possible, as stated in Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." And let me tell you, some days, just getting out of bed and facing the world feels like it requires superhuman strength!

So let's not be deceived by the allure of busyness, my friends. Instead, let's slow down, take a break, and smell the roses (unless you have allergies, then maybe just admire them from afar). Above all, let's spend more time with Jesus, the true source of peace, comfort, and strength. He's always there, ready to listen, even when we're in our pajamas with bedhead that would make Einstein's hair look tame. Trust me, He's seen worse. After all, He created platypuses!