Stop the glorification of busy

Sometimes I feel like I need to report to the people around me about everything I'm doing in my life.  And I know I'm not not alone.  In fact almost every conversation I have with a friend from school, church or my community involves some sort of rundown about all things were all racing around doing.  And it's good stuff: tutoring, sports, music lessons, scouts, church activities, service projects... Really good stuff.  But when and more importantly how do we draw the line?  And do we even want to?  I mean we all know drugs, teen sex, pornography and a life of crime or indolence are lurking around pretty much every corner.  Curtis and I have always believed that keeping kids busy does loads to keep them out of trouble, not to mention that extracurriculars play a huge role on college applications.  So we know there's a place for all this busyness... But seriously when is enough enough?
I am loving yoga these days.  It is definitely my favorite exercise right now.  It helps that my teacher is inspiring and funny and keeps us on our toes with her music choices (Vinyasa to Eminem anyone?)  She reminds me to breathe fully and live in the present moment.  It's disturbing how often I find myself racing around getting all my stuff done and I will stop and realize I haven't had a full inhale in hours!  It doesn't help that I feel pressure all around me to provide evidence that I was a productive human each day.  (I guess kids that are fed and clean aren't enough :O). But I'm realizing that it is so important to take time each day to pray and breathe and meditate.  And to slow down, eat a quiet meal and just be still. (Psalm 46:10)
It was so powerful to watch our little caterpillars turn into Monarchs recently.  I mean I've read about it a million times and watched videos, etc... But I cannot tell you how special it has been to watch it up close and personal.  And I'm invested.  I mean last night I was digging up a milkweed plant in my yard to bring inside for the almost fully grown caterpillars we have inside right now.  I was just too nervous to put them outside because it got really cold this weekend.  I love these little critters. 

 We also keep waking up to these massive spider webs in the backyard.  They are usually gone by midmorning. 

 We took a trip to the Alligator park with our Cub Scout Pack recently and went on a night hike.  Scary right?!  But the sunset was so beautiful.  And nobody got eaten.  :) 

Nature always helps me to slow down and remember what matters.  Oh but forget what I said about being less busy.  Before this post was even completed I had signed Daniel up for Destination Imagination Club and agreed to let all the boys play a winter sport.  Crazinesss here we come!