Staying Connected During Busy Seasons
Life can get busy quickly. Between work, school, sports, appointments, family responsibilities, and everything else competing for our attention, it can sometimes feel like there simply aren’t enough hours in the day. Busy seasons are a normal part of life. But if we aren’t careful, busyness can slowly disconnect us from the things that matter most, our relationship with God, our families, and our church.
Stay Connected to God
When the schedule gets crowded, time with God can easily become one of the first things pushed aside. Yet busy seasons are often when we need Him most. Jesus said in John 15:5, “…for without me ye can do nothing.” You may not always have an hour of uninterrupted quiet time, but you can still make time for God. Read a chapter of Scripture before starting your day. Pray during your drive to work. Listen to Scripture while getting ready. Take a few minutes before bed to thank God for His faithfulness. The goal isn’t simply checking something off a list. It’s maintaining a daily relationship with the One who gives us strength for everything else we face.
Stay Connected to Your Family
Sometimes we can be in the same house while hardly spending meaningful time together.
Put the phones down during dinner. Pray together before everyone leaves in the morning. Ask your children about their day, and really listen. Make time for your spouse even when the calendar is full. Don’t become so busy providing for your family that you forget to be present with your family.
Stay Connected to Your Church
During especially busy seasons, church can begin to feel like one more thing on the calendar. But God designed the local church to be a source of encouragement, instruction, fellowship, and spiritual strength. Hebrews 10:24–25 says, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…” We need Christian fellowship, and other Christians need us too. Your presence may encourage someone more than you realize. Instead of asking, “How can I fit church into everything else?” it may be helpful to ask, “How can I build everything else around the priorities God has given me?”
Learn to Say No
Not every opportunity is an obligation. Sometimes staying spiritually healthy means saying no to something good so that you can remain faithful to something more important. We cannot attend every event, participate in every activity, accept every invitation, or meet every expectation. Ask God for wisdom to recognize what truly deserves your time.
Give Yourself Grace During Busy Seasons
Some seasons genuinely are more demanding than others. A new baby, a change at work, school starting back, caring for family, or an unexpected difficulty can temporarily change your normal routine. Your schedule may look different, but your dependence on God doesn’t have to. Even when life feels rushed, keep taking small, intentional steps toward the Lord and the people He has placed in your life.
Stay Close to What Matters
One day, the busy season will pass. The practices and priorities you establish during it, however, can have a lasting impact.
Stay connected to God.
Stay connected to your family.
Stay connected to your church.