How can I stay busy and productive?

on Dec 17, 2025

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: My life has come to an abrupt stop. Until a very bad fall at 60 years old, I was never home because I traveled the world, visiting a different church every Sunday, sometimes driving two hours or more, which allowed me to meet lots of different people and have all kinds of experiences. I often treated neighbors to lunch and dinner at interesting places. Now that I’m in a wheelchair and getting out is difficult, none of the people I’ve invested in are interested in being with me. Granted, it’s not too much fun trying to run to-and-fro with an invalid. There isn’t much more I can do in life to stay engaged, and I don’t want to become a social media freak, hoping that at the end of the day I’ll get a lot of “likes” posted (which won’t be true). How can I stay busy and productive? – A.E.

A: Dr. Alan Redpath was pastor at the great Moody Church in Chicago. On the wall of his office, he had this inscription: “Beware of the barrenness of a busy life.” There is always something to do, but it doesn’t always have to be “busyness.” We can do good things, but we can also do better things. Often, the answer to our dilemma is right in front of us – doing the better thing may solve a conflict.

There are so many people who are limited in activity, and some find their joy in comforting others. There are shut-ins who are cheered just to receive a phone call. There are lonely people who treasure finding a cheerful card in their mailbox. This can lead to one-on-one evangelism; it can also provide Christian fellowship. And as believers, we must reflect on wisdom from Scripture: “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds … encouraging one another” (Hebrews 10:24–25, NIV). Getting into the Word of God will open possibilities never dreamed possible.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)