Vacationing In The Land Of Busy-ness

Hey Friend,

Usually I post on Thursdays (for you folks that notice), but yesterday was an extremely busy, run around kind of day.  You know how those go...The day started out well and with good intention, but before I knew it I had made a few too many left turns and before you know it I was in the Land of Busy-ness.

I smiled and chatted with the Starbucks' barista as I waited in the drive-thru line to get my two pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin bread to take to my son and co-worker.  I even paid for the irritated looking woman behind me who probably was running late for work.  I dropped the dog off at the vet for blood work and a "spa day" (aka good scrubbin').  Picked up my friend's daughter and took her and her kitty to her vet for an emergency visit.  Ran to the grocery store.  Dropped the groceries.  Back to get friend, kitty and bag o' medicine. Drop them off.  Go get my clean smelling, mad at me dog. And, and, and...

Occasional days like that are okay, but I have to be careful that I don't start to vacation in the Land of Busy-ness.

Being constantly busy, to me, is like wearing an old pair of sneakers - comfortable to slide into, but not something you want to wear all the time.

Right now it's very easy for me to get caught up in a million little things, like home improvement projects and planning for my wedding.  It is safe to do other things because if I spend time with God, He might want to do some major renovation.  He might want to transform me and gosh, that takes work. 

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  (Romans 12:2)

Don't get me wrong, many of the things we do in our day are good and righteous acts.  Acts, that are pleasing to God.  But just as faith without acts is dead; acts without faith is, well, just plain addicting.  I have to watch that pride doesn't creep in there.  I am not performing in the great recital called life.  I am playing to an audience of One.

"All our righteous acts are as filthy rags."  (Isaiah 64:6)

God's reason for creating us is so that we can live in relationship with Him. (Period)

When I step back and truly take in what God has done in order that I can have a relationship with Him...He watched the blood of life drip from His son so that I could spend today and eternity with Him.  He loves me...he loves you with a persevering passion.  But, God will not compete for our attention. He will stand at the door and knock, but we ultimately have to let Him in.

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock.  If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come and eat with that person and they with me.  (Revelation 3:20)

God knocks every day at my door.  He is gracious, humble, filled with loving-kindness; but some days I don't open the door.  I'm too busy vacationing in the Land of Busy-ness.  It's easier.

On my smarter days, however, when I do open the door and invite Him in.  What joy and peace fill my soul.  Yes He may want to do some renewing and renovating, but in the "potter's hands" I am safe.  This is where I am meant to be.

Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.  (Psalm 84:10)

God will transform just as much of our lives as we are willing to give Him.  What are you willing to give? 

Love,

Bev