Frantic Vs. Frenetic

A year ago we had a record-breaking two feet of snow.

In planning for this post on rest, I began to think of adjectives that describe busyness and life pace. I thought of the words frantic and frenetic.  I wondered how they were different.  A quick Google search of the terms revealed that frantic has to do with one’s mental state and frenetic applies to behaviors and actions.  Whether we use the words frantic and frenetic appropriately or not, I am sure we all understand that life in the 21st century moves recklessly fast!  With all our technology and the speed of travel, daily life is overloaded.  Should I call it frantic or frenetic?

I am very guilty of both overscheduling my life and carrying out daily routines with excessive effort. According to psychologist Archibald Hart, some important activities require adrenaline and heightened focus, but we should beware of keeping this pace with routine chores.  I find this to be true of myself.   I catch myself with clenched jaws as I peel carrots or furrowed brows while brushing my teeth.  Such intensity is unhealthy.

The Bible speaks many times of rest, of leaning on God, of waiting. Often the message is in the command form:  Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10).  God, having designed our bodies, knows how they work and knows what is best for us physically and mentally.  Slowing down, getting away, and listening are frequent admonitions in Scripture.  God Himself modelled rest for us by stopping on the seventh day of Creation to sit back and enjoy the wonders He had just created over the previous six days.  He invented the Sabbath which is just one of His lifestyle ideals for us.

My sister captured this sweet shot of my parents. My mom is petting a grandcat. Stroking an animal is known to lower blood pressure.

With age, I think we might get better at resting. It could be out of necessity; the body is slowing down, without its former youthful energy.  It might be opportunity; less responsibilities and obligations and freer to relax.  And with age, wisdom is gained; like Solomon, you realize that being a workaholic is all “vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 1:14)

Our frantic mindset can come to a screeching halt with a snowstorm. Where I live in northern Virginia, snow is a novelty.  We don’t get regular snowstorms.  When we do get measurable snow, the roads are considered impassable and schools close, providing a wonderful respite.  Neighbors gather outside, resting together between shoveling.  Kitchens are suddenly happy places simmering with soup smells and the scents of baking.  Families sit beside fireplaces talking and laughing.  The white blanket puts our frenzied lives to bed.

So while we wait for this winter’s big snow, let’s practice by slowing down and living reasonably. God wants us to savor the life He’s given us but we’re prone to miss His offer.  “God has told his people, ‘Here is a place of rest; let the weary rest here. This is a place of quiet rest.’ But they would not listen.” Isaiah 28:12

A Pedicure Alternative

A salon pedicure is a luxury I rarely allow myself. I love the look of bright polish and well-tended toes but my frugality keeps me from splurging.  My go-to option is filing and painting on my own for a satisfactory appearance.  But there is an alternative.

Recently while waiting for a friend at Starbucks, a young man asked if he could share my table since the small shop was crowded. Eventually we broke into conversation.  He was in law school in DC but lived in the local neighborhood.  He was studying and explained the kind of policy that would be on his exam.  Just before my friend arrived, I jotted down the name of a new church in the area and invited him to check it out since it was part of his community.

Another time I texted someone about playing a particular song on her guitar. It turned out that I had the wrong number. The person who got the text replied that it was a wrong number but commented that they also played the guitar . . . in California!  I answered that text by suggesting they look up that song, “In Christ Alone,” because it is such a beautiful and meaningful piece.

In both cases, I stepped out of the usual small talk to turn the dialog to something spiritual. In Isaiah it says, “How beautiful are the FEET of those who bring good news … who proclaim salvation.” (Isaiah 52:7) The Apostle Paul quotes those Isaiah words as he calls for Christians to share the Gospel**, the Good News. (Romans 10:15)  So there it is: a free pedicure; unattractive, worn feet turned beautiful as they carry the Gospel message!

And while I took advantage of those two situations, I am just as likely to fumble a spiritual opportunity. Talking to a co-worker about aging and death, I squandered an easy occasion to state my clear understanding of heaven.  Sharing the Gospel is important and it’s not optional.

Sunny selfie of my December getaway. Headshot, no toes!

Beautiful feet are the promised reward of spreading the Good News. If you’re planning a winter get-away to someplace tropical, get pretty feet and tuck the Gospel in your carry-on!

** Gospel means good news. The Good News is defined in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. “Christ died for our sins just as the Scriptures said.   He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day.”