Life seems to be accelerating right now.  Maybe you feel it as well.  When was the last time you went for a relaxed walk?  Or had a quiet dinner with friends at home?  Or curled up and read a book on the couch under a blanket?  On the rare occasion I do, there’s always a little voice telling me I’m being a slacker and getting even further behind.  Today always seems to be filled with more than can be done, the to-do list, work, cleaning, little things like sleep, and then of course there’s exercise, quiet time, and prayer.  That’s before we add in quality time with spouse, family, or friends.

My new gauge of how life is going in terms of pace is my response to friends when they ask how I’m doing.  Busy is the first thought that comes to mind.  I’m busy is my standard answer, followed by a little explanation of all that I’m trying to get done and all that I’ve recently completed.

I believe that life is on the verge of being utterly and completely destroyed by busy.  Busy is the new mark of success, of meaning, of relevance. The busier we are, the more value we think we have, to ourselves, and to others.  When did we become too busy, and too important for the simple pleasures of life? You get to define simple pleasures, but I’m pretty sure it involves less social media, less electronics in general, more solitude, more face to face time with live people, more nature, and probably more coffee in a mug, not a to go cup.

If this resonates with you, the logical question is what do I do about it?  That’s what I’m asking myself right now.  The obvious answer revolves around finding meaning, purpose, and confidence in Christ.  It’s not in stuff, it’s not in more, and it’s certainly not in being even busier.

Let me suggest the pursuit of less.  Less of this world specifically.  Christ set the example, and by the worlds standards, he pretty low on the material and financial ladder of His day.  Not only was He unconcerned about it, He was intentional in his pursuit of less in His life.  With only three years to change the world, you would think He would have spent every day with huge crowds, adding new believers, teaching any and all, building a massive base of disciples to take over for Him. Instead, we see the exact opposite. We see him build the kingdom on 12 men, 11 really.  He often left them to be alone to spend time in prayer.  He spent time with people, one on one.  He sat with His disciples and His friends and told stories, ate, and shared life.  He invested Himself and His time vastly differently than most of us do now.

So if busy defines your life, let me suggest a change.  Less really may be more.  Sit on the front porch with some coffee and a friend and talk about it.

Grace and Peace