In my early days of joining the marketplace we held an annual Planning Conference for all staff across the country. Wanting to prove that I knew what I was doing I would show up at these Planning Conferences with my schedule for the next year completely prepared.
Each day was divided by thirds of days, color-coded by arena of operation— for a year in advance. So if you asked me who I was having lunch with on September 12th, I could tell you.
But it also said a lot about me. I was arrogant. I was showing off by having my calendar prepared before I even arrived at the Planning Conference. And it revealed something about me as well; it unveiled the reality that I thought I was more in control that God.
As I look back, I realize how insecure I was; how afraid to be out of control.
It also revealed that I was overbooked in almost every area of my life. Save two— 1) time to spend alone with God, 2) time to be with my wife, Starr. [To do things she wanted to do.]
Today, with my days of being an important part of the workforce almost totally behind me, I know the importance of making time for people, of creating time to be with God, and of the critical consequence of being with my wife.
When I was in my early college days a chapel (manditory) speaker said There is enough time in each day for you to do all of God’s will. Are you doing it? I’ve never forgotten it. I haven’t always lived up to that axiom, but it still stays with me.
Later, I became friends with an Indian pastor. He never took a day off. We spent a week at a lakehouse in New Hampshire just resting. By the end of the week he was surprised how rested he was and how ready he was to get back into ministry…, but with a little more awareness of stopping.
What about you? Are you overbooked? Do you have time to breathe? Can you take time to be alone with yourself, with God? With your wife/husband?
Proverbs 16:3 reads—
Commit your work to the Lord
And your plans will be established
‘Nough said.
Gary
NEXT— EMPulse 13 Waiting on the Lord
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