Peterson says it well. Since reading his chapter on the importance of an unhurried pastor a few weeks ago, I started treating "busy" as an indicator of spiritual illness and laziness. That's been a big shift in my thinking. I'm not sure why it took me this long to really understand this truth. Perhaps I was too busy to accept it before now.
But he had to be a terribly, terribly busy, or productive, guy to produce all that he produced. I wonder if his 'too many things' comment was as much to him as to others.
This morning I wrestled through with God, using the language of Psalm 4 (Nov. 4). I was content with Him setting the godly aside for Himself but as I prayed, all things to do started interrupting "our conversation." I concluded my part of the conversation by telling Him my heart is willing but my flesh won't keep quiet. Somehow I stepped away with peace and entered a day looking to Him without my own driving agenda. It's been a great day. I had at least three meaningful happen stance meetings with "my" sheep. I like our Good Shepherd's pace and His direction of the traffic. I fear if I get too intentional, I'll get too busy. I'm looking for a pleasant mix. :)
I've always appreciated your sensitivity to the Spirit. And I like your speaking of the interaction of intention and pace as a 'pleasant mix' - most would say 'balance' - but I find your way of putting it so much more attractive.
I was once told that if God preordained “good works” for me to do (Eph. 2:10) then He has also given me the time to do them. If I’m “too busy” then I’m doing something that is not His will. For me.
Thank you, Randy. This was worth reposting!
Peterson says it well. Since reading his chapter on the importance of an unhurried pastor a few weeks ago, I started treating "busy" as an indicator of spiritual illness and laziness. That's been a big shift in my thinking. I'm not sure why it took me this long to really understand this truth. Perhaps I was too busy to accept it before now.
Well, you are a quicker learner than I. I've been working on this, well, for a very long time.
Thanks for this thought-provoking post. . . . Definitely worth re-posting while you are on a break. Sorry I missed it the first time!
Something that startled me: I had no idea Calvin was so . . . pastoral! Wow!
But he had to be a terribly, terribly busy, or productive, guy to produce all that he produced. I wonder if his 'too many things' comment was as much to him as to others.
This morning I wrestled through with God, using the language of Psalm 4 (Nov. 4). I was content with Him setting the godly aside for Himself but as I prayed, all things to do started interrupting "our conversation." I concluded my part of the conversation by telling Him my heart is willing but my flesh won't keep quiet. Somehow I stepped away with peace and entered a day looking to Him without my own driving agenda. It's been a great day. I had at least three meaningful happen stance meetings with "my" sheep. I like our Good Shepherd's pace and His direction of the traffic. I fear if I get too intentional, I'll get too busy. I'm looking for a pleasant mix. :)
I've always appreciated your sensitivity to the Spirit. And I like your speaking of the interaction of intention and pace as a 'pleasant mix' - most would say 'balance' - but I find your way of putting it so much more attractive.
I was once told that if God preordained “good works” for me to do (Eph. 2:10) then He has also given me the time to do them. If I’m “too busy” then I’m doing something that is not His will. For me.
Sobering thought.