The Busy Life

Hi everyone!
So I completely space last week's post and this week will be short and sweet...maybe. ;) I am currently sitting on the porch swing enjoying a rare evening of solace for this month. October always ends up being the busiest month out of the year for me it seems. It is the month where I pick up a seasonal job driving horse drawn carriages in the the little town of Nashville, IN in addition to my full time job. Plus I've gotten more involved in my church and in other areas of my life. And I have to admit it has become a little overwhelming at times. I try to cram so much into my schedule it seems I have rarely had an evening at home to just breath. Now I enjoy being busy and there is a certain element of challenge that comes with it that I like, but what I am realizing is, not only is rest necessary it is essential. As I  have been running to and fro for the past few weeks I have noticed aspects of my spiritual life struggling. I have become more stressed, a little less patient and somewhat burned out towards life. I have been neglecting certain things such as time with God and I believe some of the things He is wanting me to work towards. Also I feel as if I have been neglecting others. I have not been giving them my best as far as listening and being there for them because my mind is off into the next day's tasks.
I believe through all of this God is showing me the importance of prioritizing. What is to be truly important in my life. It is good to be busy don't get me wrong but what is productive I think is the question to be asked. Are we merely just doing busy work running back and forth or are we actually getting the things He wants accomplished? Often times I think when we are in the mindset of what all we have to get done we have a tendency to simply just focus on getting it over with instead of enjoying it in the moment. What person could God be bringing to us that needs someone to listen to them, what opportunity to we have to minister in our tasks, what attitude to we have towards these tasks, are we doing them just to put a notch in our belt? Ouch, but I have to say it because I can be guilty of it. What attitude do we need to show for the world to see in the midst of our busy schedule?
In the busy times of our life I believe it is extremely crucial we examine all that we are doing against God's microscope. Now obviously there are things that have to be accomplished and we simply cannot just "cut out". But if certain things are causing a serious detriment to our spiritual life and walk with Christ then perhaps we need to consider things carefully and prioritize. We still need our quiet time with Him to be rejuvenated and refilled with His Word. Nothing can come out of empty cup.
When I step back from  the craziness and say this specific time is for Him and to simply enjoy His presence I am encouraged and given new strength. And my eyes are opened to the things that He wants me to actually be focusing on....like the business plans and critters I have been neglecting lately. I am continually reminded that my business plan has the opportunity to become such a ministry tool and I need to stop putting it off. Also I think sometimes when we are so busy, at least for me, my focus can easily become all about me and what "I" need to get done and what "I" need to accomplish when I think the real question should be what can "we do together Lord, to further Your Kingdom today"? My first and foremost goal should be doing things for God's glory not my own. How I am I furthering His Kingdom, how am being His witness?
I am reminded of a phrase I learned in college that has stuck with me and it is "quality over quantity". It is not about how much stuff you are into. It is about the quality of what you are doing. Are you so busy that you are not able to give something your very best?...think about that because that something might really need it. Someone might really need you and you are off into the next day already. Be busy at life but be slow enough to see what God is really trying to show you. Write out your schedule and weight the pros and cons. Pray about it and ask God for His guidance and what needs to change.
Because I don't know about you but I don't want to get to the end of the road and have a list five miles long all the things I managed to juggle but all the hearts and details that I missed that desperately needed my attention.