Crazy Busy: A (Mercifully) Short Book About A (Really) Big Problem (2013) - Plot & Excerpts
This was a good book looking at several reasons for why we are busy, when busyness becomes a bad thing, the various ways that busyness manifests in our lives, and different ways to try and reduce the busyness in our lives. While there were some chapters that were more summation of ideas that other Christians have written longer, more thorough books on (the chapter on technology was one of these), there were other chapters where, while not necessarily being totally unique, still made some really good points (the chapter on rest was one of these). I also really appreciated one of his points in the middle of the book that part of dialing back on busyness means helping others to do the same, and not being offended when their dialing back on busyness means that we don't take as much of a priority in their schedules. Overall, while being a more basic look at the issue, it was also a helpful look at the issue, and thus one that I enjoyed.Rating: 3.5 Stars (Good). "Crazy Busy" is not the problem. But it may be a symptom. Flip to Tim Chester's twelve diagnostic questions on page 21 to see how you score.Watch out for "The Killer P's" in chapter 3. They manifest forms of pride that lure us into the crazy busy zone . Confession time: One killer P that gets me is "pity", even though pity doesn't lead me into crazy busy-ness, I like it when I share about my busy-ness and people feel sorry for me. That's wrong. Here's another confession. I really need to ask myself this question whenever another need lands in my inbox: "Am I trying to do good or to make myself look good?"I like DeYoung's reality check and summary in his last paragraph. "It's not wrong to be tired. It's not wrong to feel overwhelmed. It's not wrong to go through seasons of complete chaos. What is wrong - and heartbreakingly foolish and wonderfully avoidable - is to live a life with more craziness than we want because we have less Jesus than we need."As a testimony to its 5-star status, a day after finishing it, I started perusing looking for my margin notes. Instead, I found myself rereading from the very beginning. DeYoung's writing re-engaged me immediately.
What do You think about Crazy Busy: A (Mercifully) Short Book About A (Really) Big Problem (2013)?
The chapter on parenting is worth the cost of the book, it's pure gold.
—Kassidyy
Great book simple truth to a complicated problem!
—hannah
Great book to help put "busy" in perspective.
—shweta
