themessenger MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF ST. MARK’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH VOL 100 | ISSUE 9 | SEPTEMBER 2011
FROM THE RECTOR The Danger of Busyness By The Rev. Mike Chalk, Rector
T
he fall season means a return to fuller calendars, driving children to various activities, and resuming important responsibilities. In most cases, the resumption of the active life is fulfilling.
your life?” In the midst of a very busy ministry Jesus himself declared, “Strive first for the kingdom of God…and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
A frequent complaint, though, is that life is too busy. People are challenged with fatigue alongside a mood of resignation that life cannot be different. While there are many things we must do, I wonder about the idea that there are no options to a busy life.
Christ at the center inevitably changes our priorities and attitude. As we focus on Christ, all the “other things” we are called to do will fall into a better place. Jesus’ words are a call to a deeply spiritual life. To set our hearts on the kingdom of God means to make the life of the Spirit the center of all we think, say, or do.
Perhaps we all need to make a critical review of how we are living our lives? How did we get so busy? In my own life I too have experienced the pitfalls of excessive busyness.
With all that Jesus had to do it became difficult to have any time alone to pray. But he knew it was essential that he create some space to be with God in order to minister in a meaningful way.
The over packed life often results from an inability to say no. We accept the offer because we either think we can do more than most people or want to please all people. To be busy has become a status symbol. Being busy and being important often seem to mean the same thing. We can fill our lives with many things to do in order to fill a void within. As long as we are running from one thing to the next, we refrain from discovering the nature of our soul’s health.
I would ask each one of us to reexamine our busyness. Reflect on those practices that reconnect you with God whether it is solitude, a class on Christian formation, worship, or some creative endeavor. One purpose of paying attention to these practices is that they often reenergize our souls and realign our priorities.
Jesus is not opposed to an active life. He lived an active life of teaching and healing, often attempting to meet many demands, namely from his disciples. Jesus might very well ask, “What centers
As you think about making space for Christ, I hope you will consider opportunities like the spiritual retreat St. Mark’s is offering January 13-15, 2012 at Mustang Island. Taking time away for a weekend retreat may be difficult in the midst of a busy life, but making space for God and others is at the heart of living a new life.
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