To do: laundry, grocery shop, pee, breathe

Busyness. It’s a disease. I have it…bad. I’ve had it since I can remember. I think I got it passed down from my dad’s side of the family. This disease has many symptoms very different to each person it infects. A few of mine are as follows: a “kill two birds with one stone” mentality (seen in such things as doing physical therapy while brushing my teeth), a pathetic habit of scheduling phone dates with far away friends, and a personal favorite is having “her busyness” given as a reason not to ask me on a date. This last symptom demands a story, just in case I didn’t make it clear. That’s right, a boy told me that before asking me on a date he asked around to see if I was cool (in the bizarre way that SB/Westmont allows you) and I guess was looking for feedback to save himself the time in case I turned out to be a freak-show (aka “screening”). He later told me after a couple dates (I guess I passed) that the negative feedback he did hear was about this disease of mine. “So, what, Someone told you, ‘bro, she’s busy. Don’t do it??’” I guess it makes sense. I’m busy therefore I don’t like eating a nice meal and having my door opened for me. I’m glad he could over look this major faux pa of mine. I mean, I don’t do drugs, I bathe fairly regularly (Kareem, keep your comments to yourself), I like good conversation, and please, please forgive me if I live each day to the fullest (I realize this is a euphemism). My problem is not with the boy but actually with the fact that it is a “con” of mine on the pro/con list of “Dating Hayley”. There is no doubt that I stay busy. My personality, generation, type of employment, etc, are all things that increase my chances of being a busy person. I am not going to get around it. However, in my 22 years of life, I have found that the secret is not in making more time, but in choosing how I spend my time. This was best framed for me by a dear friend and mentor, Michele Mollkoy. I will call it my medicine. Take a dose.

Be fruitful, not productive. These words have been very impactful. She explained them by pointing out how Jesus took the long way if it meant reaching someone that needed Him. My to-do list being checked off doesn’t make my day a good day (productivity) unless those things are done in a way that glorifies God (fruitful). Often times I have to let go of my to-do list (the short, efficient, timely route) for things that reap more fruit. It often times means allowing the plans of my day to be changed by something more urgent. Jesus, knew urgency as people in need, not a timeline to get to the next city. This medicine can be a hard one for me to swallow, but very life-giving when applied.