In a recent conversation I was made aware of my desire to prioritize things I value. I'm generally not one to plan ahead. However, some things are worth it.
For instance: mentoring and pastoral meetings. Last week I spent about 6 hours in one-on-one situations with college students, many connected to my church, some not. It was all great. Beforehand I made sure to prepare questions, remember things they had talked with me about and prepare challenges for those who asked for them.
Example 2: As a worship leader, I find myself planning as far ahead as I can. If I know I'm leading in two weeks, I'll likely begin my mental planning immediately.
I think this says something about me. I prioritize and work hard at the things I value. There's a deep sense of responsibility that comes with pastoral ministry, and I'm all about that. It's a good thing. But then some days I'm getting to work at the last second because I forgot to finish the laundry, so I'm darting in a few seconds late with a half-buttoned shirt and a wet t-shirt. (Feel free to whistle.)
Are you prioritizing the important things in your life?
The most difficult part is prioritizing each important thing in life. There are so many important things: exercise, eating right, family, friends, ministry, time in scripture, school/educational opportunities, creative outlets and more, depending on who you are. How are we supposed to keep them all balanced?
I've found it overwhelming to try to prioritize everything day by day. It's generally how I burn out. A conversation about finances today may give insight. If you count money day by day, you have positive and negative days; sometimes expenses exceed income, and vice versa. But if you look at it monthly, considering paychecks, bills, etc., you're hopefully bringing in as much or more than you're spending. The daily give and take gives way to the monthly average, and things seem to work out.
If I try to do each item on my priority list each day, I'm destined to burn out. So, yesterday I spent time at church and doing ministry. Today I'll work, play some basketball and socialize. Tomorrow I'll order some books and take care of errands. And hopefully all of the days will involve time spent in scripture and listening to God, because that seems to order my priorities better than I can myself.
This month, if you're feeling bummed about not getting everything done, try to live in the law of averages. Maybe when you look over it all, you'll realize you're much more on track than you thought. Turns out that life is a great big picture anyway.
Take it all in.
PS - Happy 300th post, Betanarrative!
2 comments:
Firstly, I apologize because I do not know how to whistle.
Secondly, I think we had this conversation before I left. I used to plan everything out and when I mean everything, I mean down to the nitty gritty of planning. I stopped. Something one day happened and I just stopped. No rhyme or reason. I've retaught myself to plan but this time I outline my line and fill in the pieces as I go. Unfortunately, I never learn my lessons but one day I will.
Life is the biggest responsibility that is given to us. It never ceases to amaze me that God has given us the most precious gift (life). On the other hand or something like that, it is heartbreaking seeing how reckless people can be with this gift. I am no exception.
In the words of my favorite musician (this word is super odd to me) "Forgive me if I’m so ordinary with extraordinary reasons to live."
Anna - Apology accepted.
I like outline planning. I think you're onto something there. It's like in Pirates of the Caribbean, where they're not rules, they're more like guidelines. You can do this or that, or not, but at least you made the move. It might even be the best way to be responsible with each day. I like it. Thanks!
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