I like Kevin DeYoung.  I’ve heard him speak, been to his church for a conference, and read a few of his books.  So when I was offered the opportunity to get a free digital copy of his new book, Crazy Busy, to review on this blog, I was all for it…except that I’m crazy busy.  Would I have time to read it?  Even though the book is only about 100 pages long, this has been a crazy busy week.  But somehow, I just finished reading it, so now it’s time for a quick review.

Let’s start with a quick summary.  DeYoung starts with three dangers of being crazy busy (including a loss of joy – can you relate?), and then offers seven diagnoses, plus one thing we must do (spend time with the Lord – which he points out has some amazing applications to our busyness).  Along the way, he makes clear that the problem is not being busy.  It is good to be busy, provided we are busy for the right reasons, within the right boundaries, and with the right attitude.  Which brings us back to the seven diagnoses.  Let me highlight three that challenged me.

His second diagnosis is that I am trying to do what God does not expect me to do.  That is, I’m trying to do more than I can as one finite person.  I have recently been big-time challenged with the importance of missions.  I want to make a difference for Christ.  I want to see missions go forth into all the world.  And there is much that I can and should do.  But I have limits.  I can’t financially support, pray for, or read about every missions group that is out there.  I am not the Christ.  I am only one man.  And for that matter, DeYoung reminds us, even Jesus didn’t do everything – as the quotes I posted from the book this morning make clear.  If I try to do everything, I will indeed be crazy busy.  I must decide what God wants me to do, and focus on that – like Jesus did.

His fifth diagnosis is that I am letting the screen strangle my soul.  If you are reading this blog, this may be a struggle for you as it is for me and DeYoung.  How many times do I have to check my e-mail or FB each day?  How many times did I check both one more time before finally getting back to read his book?  There is an technological allure that can quickly become an addiction.  And how much time do we waste surfing the web or staring at some mindless show on TV.  Not, DeYoung is quick to say, that technology is bad, but there needs to be some boundaries.

His sixth diagnosis is that I am failing to incorporate a proper balance of work and rest into my life.  Here in a few pages is an incredibly wise and practical look at the implications of the Sabbath principle for today, and then some important words on the necessity of sleep.  This chapter alone is worth the price of the book, and worth much further reflection and application on my part in the days to come.

If you struggle with being not just busy, but crazy busy, this is a good book to pick up.  Not every diagnosis connected with me, and probably won’t with you.  But the ones that do will likely be words you need to hear (or read).  I know they were for me.

P.S. Through the end of the month, Westminster is selling this book for 50% off – $6.00.