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Busy Quote by John Ortberg

“Dallas pointed out to me once that there is a world of difference between being busy and being hurried. Being busy is an outward condition, a condition of the body. It occurs when we have many things to do. Busy-ness is inevitable in modern culture. If you are alive today in North America, you are…” quote by John Ortberg
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““Dallas pointed out to me once that there is a world of difference between being busy and being hurried. Being busy is an outward condition, a condition of the body. It occurs when we have many things to do. Busy-ness is inevitable in modern culture. If you are alive today in North America, you are a busy person. There are limits to how much busy-ness we can tolerate, so we wisely find ways to slow down whenever we can. We take vacations, we sit in a La-Z-Boy® with a good book, we enjoy a leisurely meal with friends. By itself, busy-ness is not lethal. Being hurried is an inner condition, a condition of the soul. It means to be so preoccupied with myself and my life that I am unable to be fully present with God, with myself, and with other people. I am unable to occupy this present moment. Busy-ness migrates to hurry when we let it squeeze God out of our lives. Note the differences between the two: Busy Hurried A full schedule Preoccupied Many activities Unable to be fully present An outward condition An inner condition of the soul Physically demanding Spiritually draining Reminds me I need God Causes me to be unavailable to God I cannot live in the kingdom of God with a hurried soul. I cannot rest in God with a hurried soul.””

John Ortberg

About This Quote

Source Sermon: “Busy vs Hurried” by John Ortberg, 2010

Busy describes many external tasks; hurried describes an inner, soul‑draining preoccupation that blocks presence with God and others.

In simple terms: Busy is external, hurried is internal and spiritually draining

Key Takeaway

Recognize and limit inner hurry to stay present

Themes

balance presence spiritual health

Mood

reflective calm

Type

spiritual inspirational

When to use this quote

  • Work overload
  • family time
  • personal prayer
  • vacation
  • digital detox

Key Concepts

Mindfulness presence spirituality

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you tell when busyness turns into hurry?
  • What practices help you stay present with God?
A Different Perspective

Hurry can arise even with few tasks if mindset stays preoccupied

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