Doing Busy Better: Enjoying God's Gifts of Work and Rest

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There were several sections where I thought perhaps the author could read my mind. This is a book to help with productivity, but not in the traditional way. I was encouraged to think differently, to pause and reflect before jumping in. Before I read this book, I always felt guilty for being so busy. Now, I accept that I am busy, but feel like I can do it better, just as the title says! One of my favorite quotes from the book explains how I feel: "I don't want to get more done; I want to get more of the right things done."

**I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. -- But then I bought more copies for friends!**

I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for a review. I am SO glad I did! My time was wellspent. Glynnis did excellent in writing about our motives for being too busy, scriptural principles and how we affect others with our busyness. Go get yourself a book-you won't regret it!

Living a life that always seemed to be running at a hectic pace, I was drawn to Doing Busy Better. As I started reading, it was as if author Glynnis Whitwer had peered into my thoughts. I want to live with margin and room to breathe while still getting things done. I want to honor the Sabbath I want to live without the weight of countless deadlines, with plenty of time to hang out with Jesus, family, and friends. Yes. Yes. And yes. As I read an advanced copy of the book, I was shown Biblical truths and practical applications to finding true soul rest. Whitwer writes in an easy-to-read style and makes her point. Adding this to your summer reading list is a must!

This book was a great read! Glynnis gently dissects how we have taken busy too far while speaking with a sincere heart that understands! She then unpack how to hold busy in the light of Christ and God centered work. You won't want to miss this one if you feel the constant pull and rush!

We think we need to be busy. We get over committed. That was Whitwer's life. But then she realized Jesus invites us to an easy burden and a light yoke. She undertook a journey to find a healthy, guilt-free approach to work and rest. She shares her journey with us.

Whitwer looks at a number of areas as to why we are so busy. She helps us identify our unhealthy inner desires and how we might associate our self-esteem with our accomplishments. She writes about the blessing of work and the lies about work. I appreciated her section on the benefits of rest, including rest for the spirit and the soul. She got to the bottom of the issue when she wrote about getting our heart right.

I really appreciated her insights. I found out that true rest starts in our hearts and souls. I really needed to be reminded that rest is not earned but is a gift and a command from God. (That insight bounced up against my deeply ingrained Dutch work ethic.) I was impressed with the teaching about how keeping the Sabbath was essential in breaking the slave mentality of the Israelites as well as an act of trusting God. Whitwer has good ideas to help us know when to quit too.

I realize in reading this book that we have enough time to do what God wants us to do. That means spending time with God to find out what it is. That means realizing where God has put us, identifying our responsibilities, understanding our abilities, and more. Whitwer gives good direction in those areas.

I recommend this book to wives and moms as that is the focus of the author. This is not a time management book with lots of practical ideas about productivity, although there are a few. This is a book through which readers can process their ideas about work and rest. Readers will need to come up with an effective way to implement the truths in this book as there are no discussion questions nor journal prompts. (You will be able to download a study guide at the author's website with proof of purchase.)

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.