Busy Busy Busy

Busy, busy, busy like a bumble bee
or I prefer to say full
that explains life for me.

So many times when I haven't heard
from one or another
when I do
I hear this term busy
I've been so busy, busy, busy
perhaps it's true.

Beavers are busy
bee's are too
also bodies can be busy
or is that only a name that is given
for those who gossip?

Lines are busy
when I've tried to call
or they just ring and ring
with no answer at all.

There are times that I've cried
there are times felt offense
when I get the reply
well, I've just been so busy.

It is most likely true
even I've said it too
yet, I'm trying not to
be too busy for you
or let busyness keep me
from what and who
I long to see or talk to.

So I've decided if you
are too busy for me
well, hmmm, that's ok
I'll still make time for you
on the day you decide
you're not too busy for me
if my day isn't too full already.

Here is one way to use Gospel-grounded repentance:

Found at the following website in 2006, and re-read again this morning:

http://www.graceharborministries.org/articles2/keepgodhappy.html

Have I looked down on anyone? Have I been too stung by criticism? Have I felt snubbed and ignored?

Repent like this: consider the free grace of Jesus until I sense a) decreasing disdain (since I am a sinner too), b) decreasing pain over criticism (since I should not value human approval over God’s love). In light of his grace I can let go of the need to keep up a good image—it is too great a burden and now unnecessary. Consider free grace until I experience grateful, restful joy.

Have I spoken or thought unkindly of anyone? Am I justifying myself by caricaturing (in my mind) someone else? Have I been impatient and irritable? Have I been self-absorbed and indifferent and inattentive to people?

Repent like this: consider the free grace of Christ until there is a) no coldness or unkindness (think of the sacrificial love of Christ for you), b) no impatience (think of his patience with you), and c) no indifference. Consider free grace until I show warmth and affection. God was infinitely patient and attentive to me, out of grace.

Have I avoided people or tasks that I know I should face? Have I been anxious and worried? Have I failed to be circumspect or have I been rash and impulsive?

Repent like this: consider the free grace of Jesus until there is a) no cowardly avoidance of hard thing (since Jesus faced evil for me), b) no anxious or rash behavior (since Jesus’ death proves God cares and will watch over me). It takes pride to be anxious—I am not wise enough to know how my life should go. Consider free grace until I experience calm thoughtfulness and strategic boldness.

Am I doing what I am doing for God’s glory and the good of others or am I being driven by fears, need for approval, love of comfort and ease, need for control, hunger for acclaim and power, or the ‘fear of man?’ Am I looking at anyone with envy? Am I giving in to any of even the first motions of lust or gluttony? Am I spending my time on urgent things rather than important things because of these inordinate desires?

Repent like this: How does Jesus provide for me what I am looking for in these other things? Pray, “O Lord Jesus, make me happy enough in you to avoid sin and wise enough in you to avoid danger, that I may always do what is right in your sight, in your name I pray, Amen.”

Think I'm Wrong, Think I'm Right, Just Pray

My perceptions could be wrong. I could be wrong. But I think I am right. Not about all, but about some.

I wonder at my impulsive actions again and again. Is it to rescue some or one; or only to control in some way?

I step in so rarely, yet when I do, is it right? Or right time? Or right way? Or right situation?

It may be that my stepping in is not even necessary…yet, I did it anyway…but most times I don’t do a thing…except pray.

Pray for those and them and me…who think we know what’s right and wrong…and do more to hurt than to help…when all is said and done...unless a prayer was said instead...and instruction given from the one who knows...just what to say or do...or just say nothing except to pray.

Writing to be read or writing to share…which is it?

And in sharing, does it matter if one, two, many or none would read a word that is shared. It seems it has mattered on those days when I desired a response. It seems to have mattered too often for too many years.

And today?

Am I hiding my lamp on a web page? One or none may come to read.

But is what I write light? Not necessarily or at least, not always.

There is continually that judgment of self...and such a desire to be clear, open, and even understood.

But to have learned over the years, that one understands, yet another does not.

That two may read and appreciate, although another does not.

That some may read, but most may just delete...or file away without ever reading...or some even enjoy reading my writings, yet do not read until a much later time than I had intended...and all of this makes me realize...it is not imperative that many or any read, know, understand...it is only best that I obey the urge to write...as is it is what teaches me best...today.

It is quite humbling...quite revealing...yes, quite needed.

So, the process of writing is necessary to my health.

So the process of sharing also has a place at this time.

And the process continues as I learn when to share and when to not.

And the process continues as I learn to speak (write) or remain silent (public or private).

This process of writing has taught me many things...and one thing is this:

That when I belittle or berate myself too much, it is good to instead just stop and examine myself...

Examine my thoughts, my motives, my attitudes, and my response to others...and then...

Confess, repent, ask forgiveness and receive such...

As the Lord is not through with me yet...oh no, He is not through with me yet.

His grace is sufficient and even more than enough to keep me in this process.