Don’t Let Busyness Steal Your Life

Nights at home are pretty rare for us. Being in youth ministry, much like how teenagers are night owls, the majority of ministry happens at night too. I would love to say that I have the “night owl” gene in me yet, but unfortunately I don’t think it ever was. Especially now. I have been known to go to bed soon after my child has at 9:00. No shame. It was awesome. And completely worth it. All those who are still tired? Try the 9:00 bedtime – it works great. So if we are home by 9, I’m good! Don’t worry, average bedtime is NOT 9:00. Don’t let me fool you.

While sitting on the floor, playing with Mazy, we brought out her playmat that we hadn’t had her play on for quite awhile. We were thinking she grew out of it, but we put her on her back and she started to just play away. It brought all the memories back of when she was just a few weeks old and she would just gaze at the toys on it. Now, she literally grabs the bars that hold the toys with her feet, and basically almost takes the whole thing down. Really, it is a quite a violent scene, though she does this with much pride.

As we sat and watched, we both were reminded of how the busyness of life can really steal those precious moments. Don’t get me wrong. We LOVE going to games, youth group events, and just being out and about. But those moments spent in the quiet of our home, with no other noise but our child, remind us of how fast time really does go by.

We used to shrug at the comment that time flies. I used to think people were constantly lying to me and that no one was telling them they were liars because at times, it seemed like time was at a standstill. Those hours where Mazy would just cry. And cry. And cry. And I would just join her. Those nights when she was wide awake until 3am. Trust me, those hours don’t fly by. I’ve watched the minute hand.

But in reality, those days go by. We hate to admit it, but it’s true. Those seasons pass and a new season blooms. I don’t look back at those times with regret, but with thankfulness for the chance to spend those quiet hours of the night with her. It has made me the person I am today. It has been a gentle reminder that she will one day not want to lay in my arms, but run everywhere. One day she will overtake my lap and won’t fall asleep on me. Those days are numbered. Those days are screaming by.

And the busyness of life can steal those moments away. We wish for the next day to come. Wish for life to slow down. Wish for “that” moment when everything changes. I am thankful that I haven’t felt too busy or that I have missed out on anything in her life. But I can foresee that happening and I want to do everything in my power to combat that now. Those moments on the playmat will be gone one day. Those moments rocking her to sleep with be gone.

She will soon be driving off into the night in her own car. With a husband one day. With kids of her own. (All things we pray she will be able to experience as well).

Don’t let the busyness of life steal the joy out of today.