The Hurrier I Go, the Busier I Get

By Anita Schamber, oneLifemaps Facilitator

As I wrote this curious title, I was reminded of an expression a friend of mine often uttered when life seemed out of control, “The hurrier I go, the busier I get.” Of course, my friend would try to move faster, accomplish things more quickly and get even MORE done than he had planned for the day.

As a life coach and oneLifemaps facilitator, I often support people as they examine their life stories or current life experience. Many are in search of a saner, quieter, more balanced life. They’d like to be cured of “hurry sickness,” unrealistic performance expectations, and a note-scribbled calendar. Our culture reinforces a busy lifestyle with no apologies for what “hurry” and “busy” do to the meaning, fulfillment, contentment, or peace in our lives.

Recently I was reflecting upon these issues while listening to Gordon Smith, a Canadian theologian, author, and speaker talk about the season of life I am in – the senior years. He told us that we were to give a blessing to the next generation, to pray for them, and to share wisdom. Obviously, blessing precedes wisdom. They don’t want to hear what we have to say until they feel loved, respected, and blessed by us.

However, in addition to these meaningful actions, Smith’s clincher for how I want to live “my life now” is summarized in Jesus’ words in His prayer in John 17:4, “I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.” Although Jesus was praying the night before His impending death on the cross, I thought what a suitable and meaningful prayer that would be for me and for my clients and friends… on a daily basis.

Growing in faith, trust, and alignment with God’s will can only be achieved “daily.” How peaceful each night would be if we knew we had completed what was assigned to us JUST for that day to the glory of God. We would not have to spend time
berating ourselves for not accomplishing all on our “to do” list or stay busy late into the night to accomplish “one more thing.” We would rest peacefully in the Father’s love – eliminating the hurries and busies from our existence.

Reflection Questions:

• What words or phrases would you use to describe your life now? What would others say that are looking in?
• What might God say to you about your daily pace?
• What can you change or eliminate in this next season that creates more space for God?
• Who might be in your life right now that you could discuss this with and perhaps hold you accountable – a small group member, a spiritual director, a pastor, a spiritual friend?
• Might you want to consider spending some time this fall considering your story, your current life now and where God might be leading you? If so, we would love to have you at our Listen to My Life Fall Workshop in South Barrington, IL.   Click here for more information.

Scripture:
“I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.”  John 17: 4

Prayer:
Father, help us to let go of the firm grasp we have on the hurry and busy and one-more-thing life we live. Help us to look to you for our peace and settled spirit…every day.

 

Anita Schamber holds a doctorate in Leadership in Human Resource Development from Vanderbilt University, a Master’s in Counseling from the University of Illinois, and a BA in Sociology/Education from Augustana College. Her many hats include counselor, college professor, professional coach, and consultant to business, education, government, and non profits. Anita has served on the Elder Boards of four churches and has chaired stewardship, missions, education, women’s ministries, pastor nominating, and church building committees in addition to teaching classes. She and her husband KR attend Grace Community Church in Auburn, WA. and between them have six children and 11 grandchildren.