It's taken some time, but I think my husband and I are finally on the same page when it comes to adding events to the calendar app.
(Likely due to my persistent questioning, "did you add it to the calendar?")
The usual activities we don't put up, but anything out of the ordinary needs to get on. This includes my work shifts, hockey schedule, family dinners, and appointments. I just know I won't remember things unless I've got it showing up on my phone.
So, as you've likely surmised. We're busy.
That's why Crazy Busy by Kevin DeYoung is such an important read for me. I've read it twice and it will likely be an annual read for as long as I remain...busy.
Crazy Busy by Kevin DeYoung | Book Review
Content
Content
Purpose of the Book
In this mercifully short book ;) the author helps us identify different areas we are tangled in busyness, leading us to consider the implications both in our outer and inner world.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1 Hello, My Name is Busy
CHAPTER 2 Here, There, and Gone: Three Dangers to Avoid
CHAPTER 3 The Killer P’s—Diagnosis #1: You Are Beset with Many Manifestations of Pride
CHAPTER 4 The Terror of Total Obligation—Diagnosis #2: You Are Trying to Do What God Does Not Expect You to Do
CHAPTER 5 Mission Creep—Diagnosis #3: You Can’t Serve Others without Setting Priorities
CHAPTER 6 A Cruel Kindergarchy—Diagnosis #4: You Need to Stop Freaking Out about Your Kids
CHAPTER 7 Deep Calls to Deep—Diagnosis #5: You Are Letting the Screen Strangle Your Soul
CHAPTER 8 Rhythm and Blues—Diagnosis #6: You’d Better Rest Yourself before You Wreck Yourself
CHAPTER 9 Embracing the Burdens of Busyness—Diagnosis #7: You Suffer More because You Don’t Expect to Suffer at All
CHAPTER 10 The One Thing You Must Do
Summary
The first two chapters introduce us to the realities of our busy lives and three dangers we’re at risk for. Then he takes us through 7 areas where our busyness impacts our Christian life. Lastly, but most importantly, he visits the one thing we must do and prioritize above all else.
I’ll admit, I usually enjoy a study guide or reflection questions to go along with the chapters, so it’s almost a little disappointing this one didn’t have it, BUT I found a free study guide published by Crossway, so if you’re getting the book grab the study guide here.
My Take
The Dangers of a Busy Life
I really want to sit here for a moment.
We all accept our lives are full. I believe this can be a good thing. Activities bring us into community, we get to know other kids, coaches, families in something we enjoy doing, people we may not have connected with otherwise. This provides natural outlets for ministry to those around us.
Yet, we know we’re not always this intentional. Kids get dropped off while we go run errands or make supper. Bible study prep, shifts at work and meetings all pile onto the calendar, and I know I’ve said it more than once, “it wasn’t on the calendar, I’m sorry I forgot.”
So even as I consider the coming year, the goals and tasks at hand. I reflect on the dangers of a busy life, not to quit everything in life, but as a tool for discerning and awareness in the choices we make. Here are three dangers the author shares when it comes to our busy lives.
1 Busyness can ruin our joy
I’ve been going through an advent bible study where we’ve been talking a lot about joy. What’s interesting is how we’ve begun to notice that when we’re too busy, or life is too chaotic, we’ve got so much less joy.
Why, you may ask?
Psalm 16:11 tells us, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” The reality is when activities press into every hour of our day, there are less hours available for us to meditate, pray and sit in the presence of God. Unless we’re intentional about abiding with Christ every day, these times will get pushed out and so will our joy.
2 Busyness can rob our hearts
When our minds are wrapped up with in color coded calendars and length to-do lists, we easily become preoccupied with the things of the world. Whether it’s despair over our drastically shifting culture, intrigue with every new gadget or attempts to please people, we’re less able to experience peace and contentment.
The author also notes why camps and retreats are so beneficial for us spiritually, because we have to clear our schedules to be there. These opportunities are a gift and something we shouldn’t leave aside.
3 Busyness can cover the rot in our souls
I just finished reading Respectable Sins, and let me tell you, I took a lot of time doing it. Recognizing the importance of allowing the Spirit to prune and convict me in areas of my life, I had to create space for the opportunity.
Time for reflection and meditation on scripture is so important for our souls. We need to hear the Spirit speak and point out the sin in our hearts, so we don’t become entangled with it. With a busy schedule, though, this becomes increasingly difficult to find time for, yet he wisely notes that our kids will remember more about our character than they will the rules we’ve set, but the question then arises, what do they see in us?
My Recommendation
If you’re planning for the new year, grab this book!
If you’ve ever said you’re busy, buy it.
It’s a short, purposeful book to help you pull back the layers of a busy life to help you discover and prioritize how you want to live. Don’t forget about the study guide if you’re doing this as a group or appreciate more content.
What the Author Has to Say
Quick Stats
# of Pages: 128
Level of Difficulty: Easy
My Rating: 5 stars
More Like This
Scriptures About Wise Use Of Time
So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom (Ps. 90:12).
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is (Eph. 5:15-17).
Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time (Col. 4:5).
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps (Prov. 16:9).
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men (Col. 3:23).
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