There was one big problem. My parents were hard workers, constantly. They worked hard at their jobs and came home and worked even harder. In the eyes of my industrious parents, reading was the same as doing nothing. “Georgia,” my mom often said, “you can read when all the chores are finished.”

But with horses, rabbits, and other animals to care for, a huge vegetable garden and orchard to weed and harvest, plus canning and freezing, the chores were never done. More could always be done and in less time. The unspoken message was “don’t waste time reading a book. Reading is not productive.” I was taught to be efficient, have a list, and stick to those tasks until they were completed.

The Problem with Productivity

For much of my adult life, I believed that I could rest, daydream, or simply chill only when I was exhausted or when all the tasks were checked off my list. The result? I wore myself out. I was often sick. I quite literally could not do one more thing. The idea of living within my limits or caring for myself was foreign.

Productivity, was and still is, if I’m honest with myself, the name of the game. Articles like “Productivity Hackers” or “How to Stop Being Distracted” always draw me in. Something deep inside me wants to find more energy, power through, accomplish more, achieve more. Can you relate?

Every once in a while, the Lord will stop me in my hustle. He will say, “Cease striving and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength. But you were not willing” (Isaiah 30:15).

A Lesson on Being Still

I need lots of reminders of the problem with productivity and my need to just be still. Here’s a recent example: I signed up for an online course at my church entitled “Shaped by the Word: the practice of spiritual reading.” The instructor talked about lectio divina, a practice of paying attention to what God is saying to you personally as you read a small portion of Scripture.

During class, we prayed that God would help us listen and focus on what God wanted us to hear. Then, the instructor slowly read a passage in Matthew. We were to ask ourselves, what might the Holy Spirit be highlighting for me? What stands out?

Then the instructor reread the passage. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11: 28-30).

The first time, the phrase, “come to me” jumped out. I thought, that can’t be right. I do come to Jesus, and consistently pray, read Scripture, and journal. The second time, the same three words stuck in my mind. “Come to me.”

Confused, hurt, and feeling condemned in a way, I asked the Lord, “What are you saying? Don’t I come to you all the time?”

As I prayed, He said, “Georgia, I just want you to hang out with me. Just be. Don’t always feel you have to do. Yes, ask for wisdom and read Scripture. But sometimes, just chill with me. Don’t wait to be with me until you are exhausted.”

“Lord,” I prayed, “will I ever learn this lesson? You know I’m a get-it-done woman. Will I keep getting caught in the productivity trap?”

My New Plan

Now that I understand my problem with productivity, I’m deliberately trying not to do. Do you know how hard that is? You can keep me accountable.

Usually, when I go for a walk, I listen to a podcast. I caught myself doing that again yesterday. It is a habit. I can accomplish two things at once–exercising and learning. Do I really need more information? What about a relationship? What about quietness? I decided just to walk—and “be” with Jesus.

Here are some other ways I plan on hanging out with Jesus. Some mornings, I want to wait and savor the sunrise, instead of jumping into my day. Then, I am going to purposefully savor the sunsets with Him, even if I have to put the time on my calendar. In the past, if I noticed the sun setting, I stopped a moment and thanked Him for the beauty. Now, I think I’ll pull out a chair.

Be still, and know that I am God!

~ Psalm 46:10 NIV ~

What About You?

What jumps out at you when you read Matthew 11:28–30? What is God lovingly saying to you? How will you respond to him?

I would love to hear from you, so I can pray for you. For now, let me pray for all of us ‘doers’ in general:

Father, help those of us who like to achieve and accomplish. Help us give ourselves permission to be with you. May we understand you delight in just spending time with us.

Warmly,

Georgia

P.S. – We have several events coming up in October, so be sure to check them out! Here’s a quick rundown:

• Empowering Assessments, my course for people-helpers and those who want to learn more about personality and emotional intelligence assessments, is enrolling now through Saturday, October 17, 2020, at 11:59 PM ET. For more information or to join, click here.
• The Breaking Body Bondage Summit, hosted by Dr. Barbara Lowe, is running Oct. 9-10. If you struggle with loving the body you’re in, be sure to reserve your virtual seat here.
• The Trusting God Through Cancer Summit kicks off on Oct. 13th. Niki Hardy, author of Breathe Again: How to Live Well When Life Falls Apart is bringing together 20+ leading Christian speakers who’ve found ways to trust God through their cancer diagnosis. If you or someone you love is fighting the battle with cancer, be sure to join this summit!