This semester I have taken on some commitments that have given me a super full schedule with little room for down time and rest. Recently, I've caught myself complaining about my busy schedule, and the other day God stopped me in my self-pity. He made it clear to me that being busy is not something to complain about. It actually just might be a blessing.

Okay, so you might be thinking “What??? I don’t understand. People always tell me that rest is needed, and we should allow ourselves time to settle down and rest.” And I would agree with you. Of course, we need rest. The Lord calls us to rest, and although it is a rare occurrence, I do my best to find time to sit and just reflect. However, if I’m honest with myself, I know that I have a really crazy life and there is always something else to be done. I mean, just finding time to write this article was difficult for me. But, I chose to have a busy life. I knew when I committed to everything I do that it would result in a lot of late nights and a little less sleep.

Let me tell you that losing sleep for what God has in store for me is so worth it. I am experiencing God in ways I never thought I would and that is all due to being busy. I see His presence in my life more now than ever. I am thankful for the little things more than I was before. I am constantly learning new things about myself; what kind of leader I want to be, my goals for the future, and so much more. Ultimately, I have seen that God uses our busy lives to teach us and mold us.

As I sat in my self-pity a few weeks ago, exhausted and wanting to sleep instead of write a paper, I realized something: Maybe God led me to such a busy life, because He wanted to give me even more opportunities to share His name. That realization hit me hard. Am I using my busy life as an opportunity to share the Gospel? I come in contact with tons of people each day, and they are all so different. I want to use every chance I can to minister to them. We see each other on a weekly basis, so what better way is there to do so than developing friendships? God blessed me with a busy life, because it’s what I’ve been praying for. Ever since last summer, I have been praying that God would give me opportunities to share His story and that I would acknowledge and pursue those opportunities. Well, it took me months and a whole semester to realize that I have endless opportunities. God gave me a heart for the organizations I am in, because He knew I was searching for a chance to minister. So, here I am, trying my best to take every chance I get to share the love of Christ and run with it.

Busy lives aren’t something to complain about and try to get rid of. Instead, they are the best ministry for each of us. Some of you may be thinking that your life really isn’t busy, but I bet if you willingly evaluated your time and where it is spent, you would see that you come across the same people so often. Whether daily, weekly, or however often, develop those relationships and use those reoccurring encounters as a chance to share your heart for the Lord. Be content in your busyness and use it for God’s glory.

Although sleep is a wonderful thing, don’t let it keep you from the life changing experiences God might have for you.