The Right Kind of Busy
Instagram Break and Crocheting
It can be daunting for me to think about taking a break from instagram (which in itself is already a sign I need one!). My first thought is: if I stop instagram what will I fill my time with then? (Again another blaring reason I need that break).
Once I delete the app though, I’m surprised how quickly I can replace that time with other things; some good … and some not so good (hello bingeing comfort shows).
I have picked up crocheting again. I did it once years ago and managed to produce a blanket. But after a couple more kids my brain had not managed to keep hold of past skills so I had to relearn.
I’m now making another blanket and it’s way bigger than what I thought it would be, but I actually love the monotony and the therapeutic nature of the task.
Rosaria Butterfield was sharing in a podcast that when she looks at what she knits/crochets she sees the many prayers she’s uttered as she made them. I’m trying to pray as I stitch too. Not all the time, but some of the time.
Being busy with our hands is the way God made us to be. And yet we have to be busy with the right things. Continuous scrolling isn’t it. What is then? What are the ‘right things’? It’s anything that allows us to serve God and use our time well for Him.
The right kind of busy doesn’t have to be stressed and noisy. Busy can be quietly stitching a blanket. Busy can be cleaning your house. Busy can be colouring a picture. Busy can be reading a book. Busy can be studying a bible book. Busy can be playing a game with your kids. Busy can be going for a bush walk.
I don’t think I’ll be on an instagram break forever. But I know I’ll try my best not to approach it the same way. To set boundaries and scroll way less.
There is a time for scrolling through reels, memes and photos. But it won’t take up all my time.
I have been given my life by God, to glorify Him and enjoy Him. I have been given my husband and family to love and care for. I have been given a house to look after. I have been given a church and community to serve. I have been given talents to develop.
What have you been given and how will you serve God with your time today? How will you be the right kind of busy?
Love this Kate!! I've been much stricter with my social media lately and it means I'm so much more 'productive' in the home and in creative pursuits, like projects, photography and poetry. Your blanket is looking amazing!! And I love the idea of praying as you crochet!
Thank you for sharing this string of thoughts, I think I really needed to hear this today 💛. It's definitely time for me to hop off socials for a while 😊. As soon as I read 'right things' I thought of this song by Chris Renzema "The Right Things." Such a beautiful song that captures some of these ideas. I'll be aiming to pick up some more books when im bored, instead of slipping into a phone coma 😄.