Unbusy Progress
2005 brought upon me the need to break my long standing resolution (namely to never make a New Year’s resolution). My resolution for 2006 is to learn the ways of becoming unbusy and then to live it.
Although people would categorize me as being high-strung, I actually am more of an introvert in that I recharge my batteries during silence and solitude and find large groups of people to leave me tired. Since my new position at Hopewell, opportunities for such recharging have been in short supply. This is my fault alone because although I enjoy silence and solitude, I do not naturally bend in its direction. I thrive on creating things and rallying other people who may share the same vision into action. The problem is, when I am not paying attention to the depths, I begin to draw from a shallow well and I find that although I can get things done, I can’t minister in any kind of original or spirit-led manner.
My need to become unbusy is more than my ministry though; it is also because the less time I spend with God with no agenda, what one author calls “wasting time with God,” the unhealthier I become. I know this and even feel it happening. Layers of unresolved emotions and fractured thoughts that have no conclusion begin to pile up leaving me confused and at unrest.
Well, I went and shared my resolution with my whole church family at Hopewell on a Sunday morning…now I am accountable to a few hundred people. I have already had a half dozen people ask me how my progress is in this area. One couple even purchased for me the stepping stone that I mentioned in The Presence of Every Moment entry. I could not even fully express my gratitude for such a meaningful gift. I brought it home and now it sits on our mantel above the fireplace. Whenever my mind wonders of I feel that nagging sense to become busy, I wander to the fireplace and contemplate the meaning of those three simple words: You Are Here. I know it is ridiculous that I needed to be reminded of that, but I am so often not present to those I am with.
In addition, I have stepped back from allowing myself to feel like everything is urgent. I breathe more slowly, I try o walk a little more slowly. I recognize my environment a little more. I listen more closely to my wife and my boys. Most importantly, I am learning to hear God more clearly and to follow His leadings. This was something I have forgotten how to do and I never really mastered it in the first place (who can?). But I am familiar with a “sweet spot” that come when I am surrendered, and listening and watching for His move. Things are simplier, easier and more get accomplished, at least more meaningful things.
These reasons and more are why God commanded his people to practice a Sabbath. My family and I have still to determine how we can weekly do this together, although we have had a few sporadic days of impromptu Sabbath. I love the fact that all inner and outer demands can be shut off without guilt and without apology because God told me to do it. I think this is why it is one of the big 10 commandments and why the New Testament did not reprieve it's demands. Left to ourselves, we would never put the brakes on, we are too driven. God made us this way, He want us to be people of excellence and people that produce excellent work for His glory. But that does not come about by striving. It comes by Biblical principles like…waiting… and… resting.
Although people would categorize me as being high-strung, I actually am more of an introvert in that I recharge my batteries during silence and solitude and find large groups of people to leave me tired. Since my new position at Hopewell, opportunities for such recharging have been in short supply. This is my fault alone because although I enjoy silence and solitude, I do not naturally bend in its direction. I thrive on creating things and rallying other people who may share the same vision into action. The problem is, when I am not paying attention to the depths, I begin to draw from a shallow well and I find that although I can get things done, I can’t minister in any kind of original or spirit-led manner.
My need to become unbusy is more than my ministry though; it is also because the less time I spend with God with no agenda, what one author calls “wasting time with God,” the unhealthier I become. I know this and even feel it happening. Layers of unresolved emotions and fractured thoughts that have no conclusion begin to pile up leaving me confused and at unrest.
Well, I went and shared my resolution with my whole church family at Hopewell on a Sunday morning…now I am accountable to a few hundred people. I have already had a half dozen people ask me how my progress is in this area. One couple even purchased for me the stepping stone that I mentioned in The Presence of Every Moment entry. I could not even fully express my gratitude for such a meaningful gift. I brought it home and now it sits on our mantel above the fireplace. Whenever my mind wonders of I feel that nagging sense to become busy, I wander to the fireplace and contemplate the meaning of those three simple words: You Are Here. I know it is ridiculous that I needed to be reminded of that, but I am so often not present to those I am with.
In addition, I have stepped back from allowing myself to feel like everything is urgent. I breathe more slowly, I try o walk a little more slowly. I recognize my environment a little more. I listen more closely to my wife and my boys. Most importantly, I am learning to hear God more clearly and to follow His leadings. This was something I have forgotten how to do and I never really mastered it in the first place (who can?). But I am familiar with a “sweet spot” that come when I am surrendered, and listening and watching for His move. Things are simplier, easier and more get accomplished, at least more meaningful things.
These reasons and more are why God commanded his people to practice a Sabbath. My family and I have still to determine how we can weekly do this together, although we have had a few sporadic days of impromptu Sabbath. I love the fact that all inner and outer demands can be shut off without guilt and without apology because God told me to do it. I think this is why it is one of the big 10 commandments and why the New Testament did not reprieve it's demands. Left to ourselves, we would never put the brakes on, we are too driven. God made us this way, He want us to be people of excellence and people that produce excellent work for His glory. But that does not come about by striving. It comes by Biblical principles like…waiting… and… resting.
2:59 PM
Brilliant thoughts PV. I too find myself w/ inconclusive unresolved thoughts that remain directionless. Rather we should focus on whatsoever is lovely, just, righteous, etc. Bravo on your journey into solitude and celebrating the Sabbath! Our home group studied this commandment and left us w/ a renewed understanding of refueling. top
1:51 AM
Hello Pastor Vince. Do you remember the Debets family from Australia?. We attended Colonial Manor AOG in '97-'98. top
2:52 PM
Jill,
It is so great to hear from you. How is Pierre and your adorable children (which are now all grown I guess...are they still adorable?) Fill me in about your lives. Send an email to Vinced@hwcf.org.
Look forward to catching up! top
11:07 AM
hey vince,
sounds like the right path. i'm headed in that direction myself. may you find yourself in the present top