I’ve seen the phrase more times than I can count: “Stop the glorification of busy.” I understand the sentiment, I really do. It’s easy to get overwhelmed in our busy world. And I’ve seen people who are busy for the sake of busy, adding every activity they can cram into a day or week without stopping to think if it’s needed.
But I think we need to stop demonizing busy.
Busy for the sake of busy is unhealthy. If you’re adding more and more to your plate just because you think you should, you probably need to rethink your schedule. If your kids have so many activities that you’re spending more time in your car than your house, you definitely need to make some cuts. But what if you’re busy doing the things you’re called to do?
- Busy building the career God called you to?
- Busy in the ministry you’re passionate about?
- Busy raising kids?
- Busy juggling your family, your life, and your dreams?
A few months ago I found a great deal on an eyeshadow palette I’d had my eye on for months. It came with an adorable makeup bag that reads “Never not busy.” That sums up my life. According to modern thought, I shouldn’t be proud of that. But I am. I’m busy, and I wouldn’t trade this life for the world.
Even the Bible says that busy can be good. Yes, it speaks frequently of rest. Rest is important, and we need to balance hard work with times of rest. But the Bible also tells us…
“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all things for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 NASB
“Do you not say, ‘There are still four months, and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I tell you, raise your eyes and observe the fields, that they are white for harvest.” John 4:35 NASB
And we can’t forget the Proverbs 31 woman: “She watches over the activities of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.” Proverbs 31:27 NASB
I’m busy. I’m married to the love of my life, and he’s a pastor. That means a lot of church events and activities, a lot of planning and coordinating. I work full time as a dental hygienist. I absolutely love my career, and it’s a ministry in its own way. It amazes me how much my patients share about their struggles and how many times I get to tell people, “I’ll be praying for you.” I’m a writer, working on blog posts and articles and short stories and a novel. I’m a mom to two incredible teen boys who are almost grown, and I’m trying to spend all the time I can with them before they leave home to start their own lives. I’m busy with the ministries God has placed me in—teaching Sunday School and leading our 30’s/40’s ministry and our Women’s Ministries group. I’m busy building our little farm. Busy writing. Busy juggling a complicated and sometimes crazy life. But you know what? I love it, because this crazy, wild, beautiful life is exactly what God called me to, and I’m going to love it to the fullest.
Let’s stop demonizing busy. Stop making people feel guilty because their life is full. If your focus is on God and life is full of the good things He has called you to, then you’re exactly where you need to be. Keep your focus on God and embrace the busyness.
Amanda Holland 
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