We've all been there, trapped in the never-ending cycle of "I'm too busy." We wear it like a badge of honor as if being swamped with work is the ultimate measure of importance. But the truth is, this mindset often leads us astray from what truly matters: our families.
As Buck Jacobs wisely puts it, "Priorities are what we do; everything else is just talk." These words hit home because they force us to confront our actions and whether they align with our professed values. I, too, used to parade my busyness like a badge of honor. It was as though I believed being constantly occupied was a sign of my significance.
But I came to realize the error in this thinking, and I hope you will, too. Recently, I found myself in a conversation with a friend who was caught in the same "busy" trap. We both professed our love for our families and our desire to work hard for them. Still, a closer look at our daily schedules revealed a stark contrast between what we claimed and what we practiced.
At that moment, I made a suggestion to my friend, and it was met with hesitation. I encouraged him to take a day off this month for some personal reflection and planning. The look on his face spoke volumes. He seemed to be thinking, "I can't afford a day off; there's too much to do!" But as I uttered those words, I realized the irony of my own situation. Who was I to tell him this when I needed it just as much?
It was high time for a change. Our families needed it most. So, I made a pact with my friend: If he took a day off, I would do the same. It was a challenge we both accepted, but then something remarkable happened. As I contemplated our situation further, it dawned on me that our wives needed a day off even more than we did.
So, I proposed a two-day plan: One day per month, he and I would take our kids for a day of fun, granting our wives a well-deserved break to rejuvenate however they wished. The second day, reserved for us, would be dedicated to thinking, planning, reading, and prayer. It was a tall order, and I couldn't believe I'd suggested it, but he agreed.
Now, it was my turn to follow through. We both blocked off two days on our calendars for the next month. On our designated "kid's day," I took my children to a local zoo. It was a delightful experience that allowed us to build relationships, learn together, and create lasting memories.
The second day was our personal retreat—a day of reflection and planning. It was a powerful experience that I'll delve into in another post, but I can tell you this: it was a resounding success. We discussed our goals for the day, worked on them individually, enjoyed a rejuvenating hike, and held each other accountable for our commitments.
In the end, we proved to ourselves that we could break free from the relentless "busy" cycle and make time for what truly matters: our families and our personal growth. So, if you find yourself stuck in the whirlwind of busyness, I challenge you to pause, reassess your priorities, and make the time for what truly matters. You won't regret it.
