5 December 2020
Have you ever asked someone how they were, and they responded with the words, “I’m just so busy.” Maybe you have even responded this way to that question yourself. Being busy is very common these days. But what exactly does that mean? It means you are not available because you have an overwhelming existence that centers around taking care of urgent matters. We recently had a deaf friend who almost became homeless because everyone he contacted for a much-needed place to stay was too busy to answer his requests. It saddens me that we have filled our lives with so much stuff that we haven’t the time nor the energy to be of any assistance to others.
I believe that being busy is a social cliche, somehow meant to impress others. The general acceptance is that, the busier you are, the more important you are. But we must rethink this accepted custom. If you tend to describe your life to others as “busy,” I encourage you to rethink that response. What does it imply when you say you’re busy? It says that you haven’t any time to help, or to listen, or to be a friend. It’s a disguised way of promoting the isolation of others. Being busy means, you don’t have time to listen. You don’t have time to share company with others. You don’t have time to help.
Loneliness is a major concern these days, especially during a pandemic! Just like our friend who almost ended up homeless, how would you ever know that your so-called busy life is not covering opportunities to respond to real needs – not just your laundry list of errands, job tasks, etc. Today is a good day to discard the word “busy” from your thoughts and from your vocabulary. Use it less frequently and take time to pause and ponder what message you send by thinking you’re busy and by telling others that you are. Send greetings that say, “I’m here for you, I appreciate you, and I have time to spend with you.”
Today is a good day to not always be busy thinking and thinking about your next task. Instead, use moments of driving, walking, or waiting for an appointment, to just listen, quietly. Listen to what your spirit years for, not just for checking things off of your to-do list. When you are on your deathbed, you won’t wish for more busyness, trust me. You’ll regret not taking time for quiet, stillness, and being available for those around you. Don’t wait to be at a point where you look back on your life’s choices and regret filling up time with meaningless stuff. Cut regret off at the pass today. Open yourself to a higher purpose than just the noise of being “busy.”