B.U.S.Y.

I've learned something the past few days, even weeks.  Something I think I've been avoiding, even denying, about my life.  I like to be busy.  I enjoy doing "things": get togethers, meetings, practices, worship services, service opportunities.  If something sounds interesting, or challenging, or fun, then I'll more than likely say yes, regardless of what is already on the schedule.  Until it comes to the point when I'm physically exhausted, mentally drained, and emotionally broken.  That happened last week, and I have realized that I haven't been filling my time with what God wants.  I haven't carved out the time for HIM in my schedule.  I haven't been seeking HIM.  I've carved out time to take on an additional volunteer responsibility at church.  I've carved out time to spend on FaceBook and to watch TV shows.  I've made time to shop and attend parties and gatherings.  But, I haven't spent the time I NEED to spend with God.  Yes, it's the holidays and all (at least most) of these things are a result of that, but some things are a creation of my desire to be busy. 
I heard it said one time that being busy is "Being Under Satan's Yoke."  The thing about satan's yoke is that it will break you down, usually slowly and without us being aware.  We eventually feel the strain and stress physically, emotionally, and even spiritually.  Instead of falling into this trap (and I've done it more than once), we should live lives that are full--full of Christ, filled with His Holy Spirit, and even overflowing into the lives of others. 
I have to make some serious changes to my schedule over the next few weeks, including telling some one that I cannot, at this time, serve in their area of ministry (though I want to).  As a professor once said, it's not a question of bad and good, but a question of what is good and what is best.  All of the things I've scheduled for the next two weeks are good, but which of them are best for my relationship with Christ and my ability to serve Him and show Him to those around me?  My challenge to you is to do the same thing:  look at your schedule (or your children's) and determine what is BEST.