Have you ever been so busy that even prayer feels like a chore? It is getting harder and harder to fit life into our days. Our kids are rushed to school and from school to activity after activity. True family time is becoming extremely rare. We are rushing to get things accomplished, to finish first, to finish best, to finish. We are living the busy life, but what are the rewards? What are we missing out on?
A friend gifted me several books by the exceptional author, Matthew Kelly. When choosing the next book to read, I consider what I am experiencing in life. I picked up Slowing Down to the Speed of Joy to read next. My life has been filled with so much busyness that I have not been able to really dive into the book. I laughed while telling my friend that I chose that book next, but I have been too busy to read it! I laughed, but in reality it is sad. In this book, Matthew says, “Busyness is a way of life. We wear it as a badge of honor. But in truth, it is the enemy of joy.”
The Culture of Busyness
Society glorifies being busy. We have constant notifications about tasks and upcoming events. It is not enough to have them on your phone, but now they are synced to our watches so there is no chance of missing them! Employers often demand 24 hour availability without any appreciation. We have overbooked calendars causing us to overextend ourselves and break promises. Multitasking is celebrated when in truth, you cannot give 100% of your attention to more than one person or thing at a time.
Even the good things in life, work, family, and service to others, can become distractions. These take time and attention. They should, but where are our priorities? Where is God? Many employers are now open on Sundays forcing people to give up the Sabbath. Some employers don’t offer paid sick or vacation time causing people to devalue caring for self.
We are living an illusion of productivity versus purpose. You may have heard the saying, “We are human beings, not human doings.” Most people no longer know how to just be. We are teaching that to our children causing this unhealthy way of life to continue for generations.
Faith in the Margins
Faith is often a victim of this busyness. People tend to fit faith around their schedules instead of centering life on faith. They will pray while driving instead of setting aside prayer time.I am guilty of that. Church is attended when it is convenient. Prayer as a family is almost non-existent. We just don’t prioritize faith because we are too busy.
When God becomes an afterthought, we lose peace, joy, and presence. Life can become unbearable and we feel like we are just going through the motions. We stray from our purpose and underestimate our value. We take for granted those we love. We are losing time so we must prioritize our tasks and our doings. We forget how to be. We forget how to unconditionally love.
Here is a reflection for you: Are you living as a disciple or just checking religious boxes (or skipping them altogether)?
The Power of Slowing Down
Slowing down has many benefits. Some spiritual benefits of slowing down are; more prayer, deeper relationships, and increased gratitude. As you prioritize what truly matters to you, your life becomes more enriched, more joy-filled.
Here are some tips that has inspired me from reading Matthew by Kelly’s book:
- Create sacred pauses: Learn to stop and appreciate life. Think and pray before making decisions and taking on additional obligations.
- Embrace silence: Learn to be comfortable in the quiet. Allow God to speak to you. Listen for his words.
- Reevaluate priorities: Take time to remember your why. What is most important to you and why. Consider what needs to be shifted and what needs to be let go.
Follow the examples set forth by Jesus. He often withdrew to pray. Ponder the following scriptures:
Matthew 14:23, “After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone.” (usccb.org)
Luke 5:16, “but he would withdraw to deserted places to pray.” (usccb.org)
Mark 6:46, “And when he had taken leave of them, he went off to the mountain to pray.” (usccb.org)
There are many ways to pray to help you keep God and your faith at the center of your life. Consider some tips and suggestions found in my article simply titled, “Prayer Defined.”
Recentering Your Life Around God
It is time to recenter your life around God. Ask yourself, “Where is God in my daily schedule?” here is a faith-first framework you can try:
- Start the day with prayer.
- Initiate a Sabbath rest.
- Make time for scripture, worship, and stillness.
- Affirm that slowing down isn’t laziness; it’s spiritual alignment.
- Put faith and family first.
Take comfort in Psalm 46:11, “Be still and know that I am God!” (usccb.org)
Being Present, Choosing Joy, and Reclaiming Time with God.
The one thing that Matthew Kelly offers to change your life is Sundays. In the book, Slowing Down to the Speed of Joy, he says. “It’s time to do Sunday different. Sunday is your mini-sabbatical. It’s a think day, a read day, a pray day, a time of leisure, a chance to flourish, a fountain of joy, and a day of rest.” If you cannot make Sunday that day, choose another day and have Sunday as a goal to work towards.
What can you remove from your schedule this week to make room for God? What can you remove to be present for those you love? Is there something you can change to add time for self-care? Choose joy every chance that opportunity rises. Remember that joy is not the same as the feeling of buying something. Joy comes from deep within and radiates outward. Remember who God created you to be and live out that purpose.
I will leave you with these words from Matthew Kelly, “Joy is not found in the frantic pace of life, but in the sacred spaces between.”
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