When is Busy at Home Bad?

“I know how busy you are, and I’m so sorry to bother you,” began my friend.  Her request was simple; I was glad she asked.  But afterward I was pierced by her apology for bothering me. Her comment haunted me.  Why did she feel badly about asking for my help?

Obviously, I must give off the impression I’m too busy to be bothered.  As I pondered this idea, God brought my own words to mind.  I realized for many years my standard answer to “How are you?” was, “I’m busy.”   If my friends couldn’t tell how busy I was by watching my frantic schedule, then I felt obliged to tell them.

The kindness of my friend caused me to not only evaluate my oral language, but also my body language and schedule.  Did my words and lifestyle welcome the interruption of a friend in need, or put up a stop sign?  I was sad to realize that a red light was flashing most of the time, and my welcome mat was in storage.

I’ve always tried to live out the Titus 2 model of being busy at home.  I’m up early, work hard all day, and take few breaks.  But sometimes I take it too far.  Sometimes I’m so busy with what is before me that I miss what is around me.   I wondered how many opportunities to help a friend had been missed by my busy life and don’t-bother-me approach to interruptions.  While I’d been checking items off my to-do list, had I missed something on God’s to-do list?

Jesus had a different approach to interruptions: He welcomed them.  In Matthew 9 we read that Jesus was teaching His and John’s disciples.  I imagine them circled around Jesus, some on the ground, others on rocks, all leaning in to capture every word.  In the middle of the lesson, a synagogue ruler named Jairus interrupted and asked Jesus to come help his sick daughter.  The Scripture records that Jesus got up and went with Jairus.  Jesus didn’t ask Jairus to come back later, or sigh and reluctantly rise.  The text implies that Jesus rose immediately and responded to the request for help.

People must have known that Jesus was approachable because this is just one of many instances where people interrupted Him.  Jesus’ demeanor must have welcomed hurting, scared, and lonely people to come when they felt the need.  As Jesus responded with grace to the interruptions in His schedule, God worked miracles. This time was no exception.  But on this day, God worked two miracles.

Before Jesus could get to Jairus’ daughter, a second interruption occurred.  As Jesus walked through the crowded street, a woman reached out to touch His cloak.  This woman, who had been bleeding for 12 years, was healed as she touched Jesus’ garment.  Jesus felt the healing power leave Him, and He stopped walking long enough to speak with the woman.  After this interaction, Jesus continued His journey to Jairus’ house where He raised the daughter from the dead.

Two interruptions, two gracious and loving responses by Jesus, and two miracles.  Imagine if Jesus had been too busy, or if Jairus or the woman had been afraid to bother Jesus.  Imagine the ministry God might want to work through us when we welcome interruptions.

Jesus modeled a lifestyle of openness.  Young and old, wealthy and poor, and healthy and sick all approached Jesus with questions and requests for help.  Jesus’s willingness to respond to the unexpected opened doors for God to work.  Even though Jesus had a lot on His agenda, there was always time for a surprise need.

I’m learning from Jesus to slow down, choose welcoming words, and consciously eliminate rushing from my life.  Jesus modeled a life submitted to God’s plan – including the interruptions.   My prayer is that God will help me live out a healthy balance of being busy at home and allowing for a life of surprise opportunities to minister to others.

About The Author

Glynnis Whitwer has written 35 articles on this blog.

I'm a wife, mother of five, and on staff with Proverbs 31 as the editor of their magazine. I'm the author of two books, and co-author of four Bible studies. My next book comes out in August and is titled "I Used to Be So Organized." To learn more about Proverbs 31, click here. And I invite you to visit my blog at GlynnisWhitwer.com.

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