David Qaoud
I recently felt convicted after a conversation with a friend. She’s very busy at work and explained how she cannot possibly survive without working 60+ hour work weeks.
“Do you think you’ve turned your job into an idol?” I asked, hesitantly.
“That’s a good question,” she responded. “But I don’t think so. This is just my work season for right now, and there’s no other way around it.”
I sighed. Not because of her answer, but because of my question. I should’ve known better. Christians who work long hours (sometimes) get too much criticism. Do you expect a surgeon to work 32 hours a week?
Most Christians I know are busy. And the Christian publishers have taken notice. With helpful books like Crazy Busy, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, and a host of others, the books and resources on dealing with busyness are in full-swing. And this, to be sure, is something we need.
But . . . wait.
Is busyness always a bad thing?
Like every time?
Always?
Hmm.
Busy Versus Hurry
I think we can nuance this better.
See, there’s a difference between busy and hurry. Busy is when you have a lot on your plate. Hurry is when you have too much on your plate.
Hurry looks like this:
You’re way too busy for devotions.
You’re way too busy for family and friends.
You’re so stressed at work that you’re about to quit.
Busy looks like this:
You’re busy, but you intentionally rise early to pray and read.
You make time for family and close friends, but say “no” to the rest.
You occasionally work longer hours at work because you flat-out have to.