Beauty in Busyness

As daughters of The Most High it is essential to understand that we are wonderfully made in the image of God Himself (Psalm 139:14 and Genesis 1:27 NIV). From this knowledge we recognize that our beauty is from our Creator as He defines it not by the world’s standards. When I think about the Proverbs 31 woman, my first impression of her is…busy. Proverbs 31:27 (NIV) states, “She…does not eat the bread of idleness.” The fact that in verse 28 of that same chapter, her children call her blessed and her husband praises her tells me that her actions in tending to the needs and affairs of her family and household make her beautiful. Consider the words of Jesus after a woman came to him and poured expensive perfume on His head in preparation for His burial, which upset the disciples for they saw it as a waste, “She has done a beautiful thing to me” (Matthew 26:10 NIV). Like the Proverbs 31 woman, beauty is found in how we serve and sacrifice for another.

Two of my favorite scriptures are II Thessalonians 3:11 (NIV), “We hear that some among you are idle…They are not busy; they are busybodies.” and Luke 2:49 (NKJV) “…Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” What I realize from these verses is that we are to be busy in ministry and work not in the affairs of others. In so doing, we are fulfilling the purpose and call on our lives, thus reflecting God’s glory and producing beautiful fruit of the Spirit.

This article was inspired by a co-worker’s comment after learning about my own personal busyness over the past two years. For those who know me well, busy is my middle name, but they would certainly agree that this descriptor has reached an all-time high.  I shared with my co-worker how the joy of the Lord had been my strength in managing all that I do. This co-worker had inquired about my week long absence from work, so I told him that in May of 2010 my husband was diagnosed with stage 5 renal failure and had 15% kidney function.  Having a rare blood type his wait time on the transplant list would be at minimal five years.  His health and ability to work declined steadily over the next several months.  Having been the provider of our household, with an agreement that I would work as little or as much as I like so I could focus on our three children, it became apparent that I had to take a step.  I made the decision to return to my calling and love – education.  However, to be in the area I desired, meant I had to go back to school for a Master’s degree.  God opened a door for me to work in the actual position while in school, which equates to about 60 hours per week. Alongside of working a full-time job and being a graduate student, I tended to my husband and children, maintained our household and carried out responsibilities I have with my church.  To this my co-worker said, “Wow, I never would have known you were doing so much and dealing with so many pressures.  You carry yourself so beautifully.”  Thankfully, the week long absence was due to my husband successfully receiving a perfectly matched kidney, one year to the date of being placed on the transplant list.

The point of my testimony is not about seeking sympathy (or to toot my own horn), but rather it is to demonstrate that you can be beautiful in the busyness of life and have beauty shine forth during the storms of life.  Assess yourself in the following areas, and see if you are demonstrating beauty in the busyness of your everyday life?

Beautiful to the Lord – Knowing I am who God says I am and allowing Him to direct my steps. “He has made everything beautiful…” (Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV).

Beautiful to yourself – Knowing my identity is in Christ Jesus and following where He leads. When I S.M.I.L.E. I am Seeing Myself In the Lord’s Eyes (inspired by Fran Moore).

Beautiful to your spouse – Being a helpmeet in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer.

Beautiful to your children – Teaching them God’s ways in the simple activities of your daily life.

Beautiful on your job – Striving to be upright, encouraging and full of integrity.

Beautiful in the house of God – Serving others with a joyful heart, being Christ’s Hands extended.

Beautiful in the world – Making every effort to shine light in the darkness.

Begin to look at the busyness in your life as an opportunity to show the beauty of Christ in and through you.  For we all long to hear those seven words from the Lord, “…Well done, thou good and faithful servant…” (Matthew 25:21 KJV). God’s daughters are busy doing Kingdom work and that makes us beautiful.  So, in all that you do and as much as you do it, be YOU to the fullest!