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One of my favorite verses in the New Testament is 1 Thessalonians 4:11b. (Note: when a reference has an "a" behind the verse, it is referring to the beginning of the verse. Conversely, when the verse has a "b" behind it, it is referring to the end of the verse.)

It says, "... and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you."

When I was in high school, I was always at school and always involved. By my senior year, I was active in fourteen organizations and I was an officer in seven of them. I played sports. I won a superlative, "Miss Loyalty." There was a litany of stuff/activities: choir, student government, the senior play/musical, debate, drama; all of which culminated in being first runner-up for "Miss La Grange." To say I was "busy" is putting it mildly.

College was much the same: student government (freshman senator and later vice-president,) secretary and Panhellenic for my sorority, Wesley Foundation, Scotch Guard, student worker for the head of the department of psychology, and bible study leader for high school students at my church. The crowning moment was being voted "Miss Greek" by the fraternities on campus. Again, ... busy, busy, busy. What was all of the busyness about? I'll tell you.

It was about: (1) being busy in order to avoid feeling my feelings and (2) believing if I achieved enough then, maybe I could prove I was worth being loved by my mom and dad.

It is so sad, the things human beings will do to off-set their deepest struggles. These two goals drove me to distraction, drivenness, and ultimately depression. I did not realize what I was doing at the time, but the fact of the matter was ... I was running myself into the ground.

Thankfully Jesus Christ never wastes our pain. God, being full of grace and mercy, used the futility of my striving and drivenness to call me to Himself. When I got to the end of myself, my energy, my drive, and my goals; there He was waiting for me with out-stretched arms. He wanted me to know for sure that He loved me with an everlasting love. After He assured me of His love and devotion, He taught me about the inherent reward and satisfaction of living a quiet life. He enlightened me: being busy doesn't prove worth and achieving doesn't assure value. People will love you or they won't; and their choice is about who they are, not who you are.

Are you struggling with the affliction of busyness? What do you think your busyness is about? What are you running from? What are you running toward?

Ask God to shed His light on this area of your life and see what He shows you. Listen to what He tells you. Think hard, be receptive, and obey His direction and guidance.

I'd love to hear about your findings. Blessings to you all ... Murphy