I don’t know if anyone has thought, “I wonder when Janice will be posting a new blog? It has been so long.” Well, it has been over 2 weeks since I posted anything. I am a little disappointed in myself only because I have set certain standards for myself. The last story I wrote was for my company newsletter.

There are three reasons for the long wait. One, I have been waiting for inspiration, trying to figure out what to write about. My method for writing my blog usually goes like this: I get an idea, I mull it over, think about how to expand on the topic then try to think of or research possible Bible stories or verses I could reference.

My husband has lovingly offered up some ideas for me, even to the point of telling me I could write about him. Either I didn’t think his ideas would work or was not inspired by the idea. Note: the idea of writing about my husband is not off the table yet. It could still happen.

The second reason is that I have been struggling with a few things in my life and haven’t really been able to focus on much. The inspiration to write in general hasn’t been there. My story for the company newsletter was about a gentleman who has worked there since the plant opened in 1975 – 44 years ago. He will be there until the plant closes next spring. I will be doing different versions of the same story with 4 other people in the facility. Inspiring for some, but not what I am looking for to write on here.

The third reason there has not been any new posts is that I have been really busy. There have been holidays, changes at work. I have been making daily devotions more of a priority. I have also been making my physical health more of a priority. I even started attending dance classes. It was either going to kill me or help me. The fact that I could walk the next day was a pretty good sign (low standards, I know). Even as I am writing this draft for this, (yes, I usually hand write it out first) it is 3:30 a.m. I woke up and got thinking about it (also how the blog first got started).

Busyness seems to be a constant state for most people these days. It also seems to have become a status symbol. The busier you are, the better; the more important you are; the more successful you are. Why it that?

Here is what you need to ask yourself as you assess your busyness. What are you busy doing? Are you so busy with work that you have no time for yourself, family or friends? Are you so busy volunteering that you have forgotten why you started doing it in the first place? Are you so busy with your children that you don’t have time for your spouse or your marriage? Are you so busy that you don’t have time for you? Are you so busy that you don’t have time for God?

It all comes down to this: what are your priorities? Is your family a priority? Is your marriage a priority? Is volunteering a priority? Are you a priority? Is a relationship with God a priority? Are you doing everything for the right reason?

I sometimes even ask myself if I am maintaining this blog for the right reasons. Am I doing it for me, for selfish reasons, to become popular? Or am I doing it to glorify God? That I am hoping even one person will be impacted by the words given to me by God? Or maybe a little bit of both.

Here is an example of my selfish side. I get excited and wowed when I see, not how many people have read my blog, but by where they are from. Here is a shout out to all the people in England, Germany, Netherlands, Brazil, Austria, Kenya, United States, UAE, Philippines and everywhere else who have read my blog. And a special shout out to my friends and family (and strangers) in Canada who continue to read my words.

Everyone who has read these words have taken time out of their busy day to see what I have to say. Why do they do that? Some are friends and family who feel sorry for me and want to make it look like I have lots of readers (I hope not!). Other like how I write and like my perspective on things. Others may be bored and have nothing else to do.

No matter what you are doing during the day, think about why you are doing it. What purpose does it serve in the long-term? What purpose does it serve to your physical, mental, emotional or spiritual health?

Personally, I have stopped watching TV from Monday to Thursday. The exception to that was during the Women’s World Cup. But once the game was over the TV was off. During the evenings I write, do my Bible studies, talk to my husband, read, go for walks with the dog, go to bed early, go to dance class, attend Celebrate Recovery. So yes, I am busy, but I am busy doing things that are healthy and inspire me. Admittedly, yes, there are times when I am not inspired and I spend too much time on Pinterest or playing games on my phone but it is not all night, every night (though my husband might disagree).

All four of the Gospels talk about how busy Jesus was with His ministry. He was walking through the countryside, almost daily, teaching, healing, praying, discipling (is that a word?). All of this is important work. That was His purpose on earth. But there are many times when He went off to be by Himself, to pray or to just rest. Jesus liked His naps! Then, like any good parent, teacher or leader that alone time would often get interrupted, people would follow Him, want to spend time with Him and learn from Him.

Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:15-16

So how are you spending your time? Do you make a point to spend time with or even just check in with your friends and family? Is there something you have always wanted to do but have not had the time? Haven’t made the time?

Recently a friend passed away from a sudden, massive heart attack. He was a man who inspired those around him. He loved life and love God more! It may sound cliché but live life while you can. There is so much to do in this big, awesome world and so many people to share it with. Go out and live it!

Tell me what you do or will make time for in the comment section.