How to Avoid the Busy Brain Syndrome and Really Have a Great Summer!
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Shortly after my son Lukas had begun kindergarten, we shared a heart-to-heart as I tucked him into bed one night.
My strong-willed firstborn had longed to go to school for years.
At three, he had stood at our wide picture window overlooking the street and watched with envy as his “big kid friends” set off to school with brand new backpacks and shiny lunch boxes.
Finally, four days into his sixth year, my son’s wish had become reality.
With pride, he’d joined the ranks of those who leave little sisters behind and stake claim to their very own coat hook in a pale blue hallway.
Still new to kindergarten culture, Lukas had commented very little on his experiences in the classroom. So, on that particular night as I’d pulled the covers to his chin, I’d gently asked, “Is going to school as much fun as you’d hoped?”
Lukas had pressed his hands to his face and sighed.
After several moments of silence, his little body had begun to shake with sobs.
In a devastated whisper, he’d confessed, “It’s okay, Mommy, but I wish I didn’t have to go every day. That teacher keeps my brain so busy I don’t even have time to think about you!”
After several moments of silence, his little body had begun to shake with sobs.
In a devastated whisper, he’d confessed, “It’s okay, Mommy, but I wish I didn’t have to go every day. That teacher keeps my brain so busy I don’t even have time to think about you!”
With an aching heart, I’d climbed into that top bunk and held my kindergartner close. Had whispered words of assurance in his weary ears until he snored softly in overdue slumber.
Seven years later, my firstborn no longer complains that he’s short on time for thinking about me. But I have often revisited that tender bedtime conversation and marveled at its implications for this grown-up student in the school of life.
Seven years later, my firstborn no longer complains that he’s short on time for thinking about me. But I have often revisited that tender bedtime conversation and marveled at its implications for this grown-up student in the school of life.
On most days, I can easily relate to my young son’s dilemma.
I, too, have a Parent who slips my mind when the daily routine of life keeps my brain busy.
Though I love my Heavenly Father, He is not consistently the forerunner of my jumbled thoughts.
The Apostle Paul encouraged believers toset (their) minds on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2).
Yet, so often, my mind is fixed right here in the dust of earth- the refrigerator that needs to be stocked, the toilet that needs to be cleaned, the mail that needs to be sorted, and the dirty faces that need to be scrubbed.
Yet, so often, my mind is fixed right here in the dust of earth- the refrigerator that needs to be stocked, the toilet that needs to be cleaned, the mail that needs to be sorted, and the dirty faces that need to be scrubbed.
The list of “mind clutter,” as Pastor Chuck Swindoll terms it, is endless.
And while it seems harmless-even necessary if we are to keep our families afloat in today’s bustling society- the busy brain phenomena is actually one of our spiritual enemy’s slyest onslaughts.
Whether we are aware of it or not, there is unseen combat raging around us (Ephesians 6:12); and one of the primary battlefields is the mind of man (or, in my case, the mind of mom).
Perhaps that’s why the great champion of Jesus used a military premise as he urged Christians to take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Could it be that seeking first the kingdom of God begins as much in our minds as it does in our hearts?
As I get swept up in the free days of summertime, I want to use each moment as a gift.
I want to dig in the dirt with my kids and race barefoot across the grass. I want to splash in the pool and build castles in the sand.
But I don’t want all of our activity, all of this freedom, to result in spiritual chains. I don’t want to keep my brain too busy to think about the One who loves me most.
So whether I’m scooping sand or sorting laundry, chasing butterflies or chasing dust bunnies, I want to fix my mind on Christ this summer and let Him take me captive one thought at a time.
The Overflow:
“…we take captive every thought
to make it obedient to Christ.” -2 Corinthians 10:5
So whether I’m scooping sand or sorting laundry, chasing butterflies or chasing dust bunnies, I want to fix my mind on Christ this summer and let Him take me captive one thought at a time. The Overflow:
“…we take captive every thought
to make it obedient to Christ.” -2 Corinthians 10:5
Linking with Emily for Imperfect Prose, Jennifer for God Bumps,
and Shanda for On My Heart.
This is absolutely delightful. You are a gifted communicator, with a laser-focus on the goodness of our God. So grateful for you.
Guilty of brain overload here! Sometimes I successfully remember that the word NO is the best friend of un-busy. What a great reminder of where our thoughts should be anchored!!
Such a incredible story, making an extremely valuable point. Thanks for posting this great article.
Following you through Google Friend Connect. I hope you have a minute to stop over at my place and follow back if you’d like.
Blessings…
i’m with amy. that sentence made me want to weep, it was so beautiful. children love so fully… so sacrificially.
yes! how true. and it seems we have to make a point to NOT clutter our minds and schedules!!
I am your newest follower..pls follow back if you can.
Darn that teacher for keeping his brain so busy that he couldn’t think of you. That statement alone makes me want a son. Ahhh, sweetness.
Beautifully written…I love your stories! Yes, busy brain is a phenomenon that I dislike very much. I tend to want to gravitate to lazy, no thinking brain…sometimes I do, but I live with a busy brain, albeit sweet hubby who brings me out of it. Thank you for the reminder of where our brains need to be more busy in…focusing on the Lord!
I enjoyed your meditation. I like that you anchor it to verses. I’ll have to take this style up.
So true!!!
I tried this summer not to overschedule us….and yet we are still swamped!
Such an important reminder. Love the story of your kindergartner. Precious.
So true. More important to declutter our days, minds, and hearts, even, than our houses. Everything I have needs a good decluttering.
it def is a battle that resides as much in our heads as our hearts….so much to compete for our thoughts these days for sure..
Amen, amen. Well written.
What a great way to show how often our minds wander and where we should be focusing on.