Too busy to memorize?

Does the busyness of daily life feel overwhelming? If so, this might come as a surprise: research shows that Americans have more free time now than they did 50 years ago. Modern inventions and household appliances have simplified housework, and we work less overall than our parents and grandparents did.¹ So what gives? If we're technically less busy, why does everyday life feel so chaotic? According to one study, it's partially because being busy makes us feel important.² After all, to tell a coworker that you have no weekend plans is rather embarrassing. So we fill our schedules with Facebook-worthy moments and then bemoan our lack of free time. "The ironic consequence of the ‘busy feeling’ is that we handle our to-do lists less well than if we weren’t so rushed."² Can you relate?

For most of us, it's not that we fail to add Scripture memorization to our to-do lists; we simply reach the end of the day and realize it didn't happen--again. Day after day, "the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word," and we become unfruitful (Matt. 13:22). Being busy isn't inherently wrong, but chronic busyness often results in temporary things taking precedence over eternal things. Here are some practical suggestions to help you make time for Scripture memorization amidst the busyness of daily life:

• Stay off social media until you've worked on your verses.
• Set a daily reminder on your phone to memorize. If you're not a morning person, consider memorizing during your lunch break or right after dinner.
• Use the VerseLocker mobile app to listen to your verses while driving, mowing the lawn, or taking a shower.
• Tell a friend at church that you'll recite at least two new verses each Sunday.

1 Business Insider: Why It Feels Like You Have No Free Time Anymore // CBS: You Have More Free Time Than You Think 2 BBC: Why You Feel Busy All the Time When You're Actually Not