Franticity: A Second Thought

by Dave Gillogly

A few weeks ago, we explored a newly created word: franticity. Its meaning is frantic-ness, or overwhelmed-ness, or stress, or over-doing or multi-tasking, etc. It is the state many of us find ourselves in on a daily basis. We talked about using our moments of franticity during the Lent season to cause us to stop for a moment and think of God and what He is doing in our lives, or how He would have us act in the circumstances in which we found ourselves. God promised peace, if only we would choose to receive it. Our goal was to use each moment of franticity to remember God and receive His peace.

Well, that was a few weeks ago. What a change in only a few weeks! Working from home, not working at all, social distancing, eating in not out, no shopping, searching for toilet paper, four-week spring break (or permanent spring break, we have to wait and see). Chaos without a clear end in sight. Many of us have defaulted to mental franticity. Frantic activity is probably less stressful than frantic thinking. That is what we are dealing with today, franticity of the mind.

First of all, we know that all things have a life cycle, and so does the coronavirus. Flu season comes and goes every year, and this will be no different. As Winston Churchill said early in World War Two, “This is not the end. It is not the beginning of the end. But it is the end of the beginning.” I think that is where we are in this cycle. The beginning is nearly over, and the next phase is arriving which means the end will also arrive in its time. Just as trees dropping their leaves in the winter is not the end, but the end of the beginning of a new cycle, so this cycle will run its course.

So how do we cope with mental franticity? The same way we had already determined to deal with our normal busyness, by seeking God’s peace in its midst.

God just sent us a memo: “Take some time off. Chill. Relax. Take a staycation.”

What an opportunity to break our old habits of franticness! Since we have to stay home, let’s relax and enjoy it. Rather than think of the things we can’t do, why not enjoy the fact that we’re on forced R and R? When we get up in the morning, let’s remind ourselves that this day is ours to do with as we please; no meetings, no errands, no to-do list; just time alone or with family. Quiet, peace, calm.  

Perhaps try these: Read, pray, play with your kids (my grandkids flew kites for three hours at Lake Hefner last week). Call a friend. Pray for those who are ill and their caregivers. Thank God for your health. Just sit quietly for a few moments. As you read your “Read-the-Bible-Through” chapters, take your time and ask God to speak to you. Journal. Have a second cup of coffee; actually taste and enjoy it, not gulp it on the run. Go outside. It’s spring, take a walk (not exercise, just walk), smell the breeze, listen to the birds, see what’s blooming, be absorbed into God’s rhythm. For mental health and a clear head and an end to anxiety, nothing beats a walk. 

Trust me, it may feel slightly uncomfortable at first. You may have to give yourself permission. My daughter said she is so trained by the world, that taking time during the day to read a book makes her feel guilty. Has your normal routine put you into that same frame of mind? Is that what Jesus wanted when He said, “My Peace I give you”?

Someone said you won’t do nothing unless you put do nothing on your to-do list. Doing nothing is not in our worldly training or habit, but it is part of God’s way for us (remember the Sabbath). Franticity is not God’s plan. Maybe the silver lining in COVID-19 is a chance to practice a different pace. Maybe we can come out of it with different habits and a closer relationship with God. Satan meant it for evil, but God means it for good. All things, even this, work together for good for those who love God. Claim His good. Embrace the opportunity.

Peace.

Author Bio
The author used to be Dave Gillogly. Now if he’s at a meeting somewhere, he’s “Oh, you’re Erin’s dad.” Around Council Road, he is “Miss Millie’s husband.” A member of Council Road for 42 years, he has taught Bible Study classes, directed departments, served as a deacon, and served on a number of committees. He also served on the boards of the Oklahoma Baptist Foundation and Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children. Currently some young guys are willing to hang out with him (they call it mentoring; he’s the one who is learning), he writes a little, and with Miss Millie, spends three months a year communing with God’s creatures (especially trout) in Montana next to Yellowstone Park. In previous lives, he served on Governor David Boren’s staff, was Commissioner (CEO) of the Oklahoma State Workers’ Compensation Insurance Fund, managed two independent oil companies, served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Express Employment Professionals, and was adjunct professor in the Paul Dickinson College of Business at Oklahoma Baptist University.