By Emilie Gruben.
What does your schedule look like, usually? Perhaps it is mostly free apart from church on Sundays and Wednesdays, and maybe a doctor’s appointment in the afternoon on Friday. Or maybe there is an appointment at 9, and then a piano lesson at 11:30, and then a luncheon at 1, and then…It’s stressful, isn’t it? Where I live, homeschooling families become even busier than those in public or private schools. People “have a lot of time” and try to fill it up, as much as possible. Music lessons, orchestra, bands, sports teams, dance, co-ops, dual credit classes for high schoolers, volunteer projects; the list goes on and on. Not only are these activities not always the best decision for the individual-that’s a different article-but not for the family, either. I have encountered this, personally, nearly every year.
In a past year, I had four co-op classes, choir, four dance lessons, and church activities within one week. Each of these had homework, things to practice, and things to study, as well. There was no time for anything extra like family parties, long Family devotions, or unexpected trips. I found myself burnt out after just half a semester, and my family was the same. Afterall, what good were all the classes and opportunities if I never had free time to use them and be grateful? It was not energy sufficient, cost-efficient, and it wasn’t God-honoring. But surprisingly enough, my peers at these places were doing the same and three times more! What should you do if you find yourself in this place, or are considering it? I have 3 question-filled points to think about before you make a decision.
1. Why are you busy, or plan on becoming so?
Is it because you don’t know what to do when you aren’t? Perhaps, you don’t have many siblings, or you are the last at home, and you find your excitement outside of the home. It’s not a sin to want to be around others, in fact, the Bible tells us to seek out godly companions that will sharpen you. However, we must be able to occupy ourselves without others or extensive means. Proverbs 16:27 says “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop; idle lips are his mouthpiece.” We cannot be busy lest we fall into boredom and sin, but that is no reason to go headfirst into a chaos of activities. So ask yourself, why do you want to go outside for your schedule? How will it change your daily life for the better or worse?
2. What is important to you?
Are the things that you will pursue important to only you, or your family and those you listen to for advice? Are you focusing on just yourself, or others? This is a really important thing to consider when you think about who may be paying for, driving you to, and fighting against their better judgment to support you in the interests you wish to pursue. As with all things that require wisdom and discernment, anything outside of your household requires even more. Is it important to you for personal reasons, or other, more lasting ways?
3. Will you make time, or waste it?
This is the one that I have had the hardest time with. The result of a busy schedule is not having time for other things. But you still have a will. Are you going to make a consistent effort to make time for family, and above all, Christ? Will you be “too tired” by the end of the day to read your Bible and journal your blessings? Will you be able to skip an activity outside the home to make dinner for a family in need, or help someone? How far will you go to balance both before you accept what is more important to you?
The schedule of an individual is a constant struggle between them and Christ. We don’t think of it as such, maybe, but it is. Think of it, reader. What do you have planned next week? Why do you have plans for that week, when nothing is guaranteed but this very moment? The Lord our God could return in an instant, and would you be ready? In Luke 12:36-37a, we read just this. “And you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately. Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching.”
This is what I come back to. Would I be a servant, ready for the return of his master? Will I be awaiting the Coming of Christ when all my time is spent on schedules and deadlines? If you are busy with doing good, or your entire family volunteers at places, and you are constantly busy but with a God-honoring purpose, then blessings to you. And even if you just have a hectic schedule, you are no less a child of God than anyone else. Being busy isn’t a sin. But I encourage you to examine your schedules and your heart. Our treasures on earth are not what matters in heaven. And where our treasure and time is, there our hearts will be. So think about where and why you spend your time.
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