SERVING STRONG

Do You Serve Alone?

Serving without connection is a dangerous thing. Pursuing a ministry devoid of community is like skating on thin ice. It's a shortcut to hitting "the wall".

Check out Todd Rhoades' post called "When Kingdom-Minded People Conspire." He offers some thought-provoking questions which can help you assess how "maverick" you are being in your calling.

Make sure you are serving in connection with others and you'll be Serving Strong!

Landmark Transition

Work/life balance. We read a lot about it in articles these days. For some, it means a seamless transition from a work mindset to a life mindset, depending on what's appropriate at the time.

One way I accomplish this aspect of balance in my life is a landmark on my 12-minute commute home from work. On my way home, I cross over an interstate. While on the bridge, I mentally close the door to work and begin thinking of my wife, my daughter in college, and my teenage son. I pick a thing about each one of them (something they like, or fear, or are interested in) and dwell on that for the remainder of my commute (about 4 minutes or so). I try to EMPTY my mind of work-related stuff and FILL my mind with family.

Now, before I go any further with this post, I must say this is a struggle for me at times. SOmetimes I forget. If I'm not thinking, I can bring work right into the house with me. Then my wife can see work smeared all over my face. But when I remember to do it, it really works.

This is possible to do, whether our commute is 5 minutes or an hour.

So, what's a landmark on your commute? How are you going to use it to make a significant transition from work (or ministry) to home?

Healthy work/life balance is one way of Serving Strong!

Clutter Getting In Your Way?

Clutter is an enemy to your strong service to others. The main thing about clutter is it tends to occur gradually. We don't notice the clutter gaining on us. Before we know it, our life and ministry has grown more and more difficult and we can't figure out why. Could it be you have a growing clutter problem?

Lorraine Cohen is a life strategist. In her recent post entitled, "10 Tips for Greater Work-Life Balance" she talks about clutter:

"Clear out the clutter in your life. This includes repairs, stuff accumulating in your home, people etc. Let some things go! This is a big energy zapper. Imagine how much energy you'll free up when you 'lighten up!' "

Take the time to inventory your clutter today. What are two things you could get rid of that would free up the greatest amount of energy for you?

Overcoming clutter is one good way to Serve Strong!

Over Scheduling

Centredaily.com issued an article today entitled, "Over Scheduling: America's Time Management Crisis." They highlight a website www.yesyoucanonline.info which apparently has some interesting stuff related to finances, positive thinking, health, and family fun.

They also suggest some ideas for solving your time management crisis. Here are a couple:

• Foster a Positive Attitude. Begin your day with a sense of wonder. Then, tackle goal setting for the day.
• Nurture Your Body. Good time management involves nurturing your body. Ideal goal setting includes exercise and recreation.
• Honor Personal Relationships. Work life balance is key. Utilizing time management skills helps foster meaningful relationships. When goal setting, plan to connect through lunch, phone calls, or meaningful email or cards.

Check out the entire article.

When we are able to overcome our time management crisis, we are Serving Strong!

Are You Present In The Present?

When I am able to make the most of a moment; when I am there and aware enough to see what's going on and participate fully; when I am able to engage in the conversation or activity with abandon - then I am present in the present.

But as long as I am thinking of something in the past that happened or a future event, I rob myself of being present in the present. Many times, this is because I am either beating myself up for a perceived failure (past) or worrying about something that has yet to even happen (future.) Whatever the reason, I'm not present in the present.

But being present in the present is where the joy is. It's where life is really lived. I really hope I can cultivate this habit of being present in the present. I don't want to go through life while being robbed of life at the same time.

Be present in the present and Serve Strong!

Increase speed - decrease reaction time

Our son has his driver's permit. We are, therefore, doing things such as keeping from putting our foot through the floorboard to help him stop, or grasping at the dashboard to hold on while we pull into traffic.

He's a great driver, really. And we're blessed.

But one thing I've noticed as a parent to a child's driving training: the faster you go, the less your reaction time. If I am going 35 miles per hour and a deer jumps out in front of me, I am more likely to make the necessary adjustments to avoid a collision. Try that at 65 miles per hour and it's near impossible.

Same is true in life. When I am rushing from task to task at a fevered pitch, I am more likely to miss certain opportunities or make necessary adjustments to serve with effectiveness. So, the next time you're tempted to go full out all day, stop. Think...

At what pace can you truly Serve Strong?

Overload!! Overload!!

I am re-reading one of the best books I've ever come across regarding balance & self-care. It's Restoring Margin To Overloaded Lives, by Richard A. Swenson, M.D. It's a must read for anyone who is in the profession of helping others.

Swenson highlights some areas of overload. Ask yourself if these apply to you. If so, ask yourself what impact they are having on your life. Then brainstorm some ways of coping/dealing with them for greater margin in your life.

• HURRY. Fast food, rush hour, frequent flyer, expressway, overnight delivery, rapid transit, sprint, quicken, dayrunner, etc.
• MEDIA. Negative news, YouTube, TV, DVD rentals, Guitar Hero, Halo III, profanity, politics, terrorism
• DEBT. Need I say more?
• POSSESSIONS. If you have a storage rental housing your stuff because your garage is too full, this one may apply to you.

Creating margin is one of the biggest keys to Serving Strong!

Are you a people-helper AND caregiver at the same time?

Working in the people-helping profession is challenging. And if you're also caring for a loved one at the same time, you must be at the top of your game with your own life balance and self-care.

Benton Hospice Service wrote an article called "Caring for an ill loved one? Don't neglect yourself".

The tips & suggestions are very practical and contain good sense.  Here are a few thoughts on their list:

PRACTICALLY, use equipment to help aid you in the process of caregiving, such as...

• A baby monitor, phone, or intercom system
• Over-bed tables for eating & reading
• Hand-held showers, bathseats & nonskid mats to help with bathing
• Grab bars near the toilet or tub

PERSONALLY, take simple steps to stay energized & connected, such as...

• Get enough rest & exercise
• Eat healthy (limit sugar, sodium & fatty foods)
• Learn breathing exercises or meditation techniques to manage stress
• Learn to accept support & encourage from others

For more information, the article points to these websites:

www.caringinfo.org and www.caregiving.org.  Check them out if you're serving others AND caring for an ill loved one.  May God bless you as you continue Serving Strong!

A brand new year

Well, here we are. An entire new year lay before us. Full of opportunity. Full of possibility.

As we embark on 2008 together, I have some general thoughts that are begging to be put down on paper so here they are in no particular order (do with them whatever you want):

• It all comes down to the walk. I can attend seminars, read books, meet great people, and see great events unfold. But when it comes to my balance and self care in serving other people, it comes down to my individual choices. I don't grow simply by knowing great people or attending the right seminars. It takes individual effort on a regular basis.
• A day is still just a day. When I come to work, I will have enough on my plate to accomplish. Some days my plate is incredibly full. Other days, I am on top of my game and everything I plan to do gets done. But there will never be more than 24 hours in a day. This year, I will do my best not to get so uptight & nervous when I am overwhelmed. God knows what I have to face. I will rely on Him to help me discern what's priority during the busy times.
• The big picture. There will be many times when the details get overwhelming. I will be further ahead if I can periodically put on by "big picture" lenses and not get so caught up in the detail.
• The weekly review. I have so many times penned plans that were great and motivating to me. But then, after a while, I lose steam and forget why I set out to do what I planned. This year, I want to look at my priorities at least on a weekly basis. I want to ask myself the hard questions which will keep me on track.
• Always growing, always learning. This year I want to be 100% present wherever I am. I want to learn from other people, learn from my own responses, learn from my circumstances. I want to listen not just with my ears, but by observing and questioning what has become status quo.
• Centered. The longer I live, the more I believe in the concept of centering. At the core of my being is the leadership of God. When I take over for myself, I inevitably fail. So, everything I say, do, think, read, listen to will be filtered through the central command of God's leadership.

I trust this year of 2008 will be a GREAT year of Serving Strong for you!

Take a number

My wife's family came to our house for Christmas this year. That being the case, my wife and I were busy preparing the house and pantry for our guests. Part of the preparation involved a trip to the grocery store. While there, we had to go to the deli counter to order some turkey or something (I'm not real sure. I'm just the cart driver.)

Luckily, we were the only ones there at the time. The lady behind the counter was able to give us her 100% attention and take our order and go to work getting the meat sliced. While waiting I was musing about how nice it was not to have to wait to be noticed by the deli workers. That's not fun.

At least grocery stores have installed this neat little thing called the number system. When it's really busy, the deli workers resort to asking everyone to take a number. Then all they have to do is press this little button and the number increases. Then they call out the next number and go to work on the next order. The service isn't as personal, but it is efficient.

I thought of how this relates to me as I serve other people in my life. When I'm not busy, I'm able to give 100% attention to the person I'm caring for. The help is much more personal and meaningful. But when I'm busy, people have to virtually take a number and only get my busy, "efficient" attention.

How busy are you? Are you so busy that the people around you only get your "efficient" attention? This new year, why not work on your "busy-ness" so you are 100% present with what (or who) is in front of you at the time.

Curb your busy-ness so you don't have to resort to the number system and you'll be Serving Strong!

It's the network

Verizon has done a fine job branding itself with the use of the "It's the network" phrase. Each commercial has someone with a Verizon mobile phone and hundreds of people behind them, signifying that they are not alone - that the network goes everywhere with them.It's nice to have the assurance of having the network behind you.

But what if the network represents all of the people who have expectations of you? What if every time you go to complete a project, the network is right there nagging you to meet their needs instead? What if the network breathes down your neck when you're trying to have personal study time with God? What if you're a Pastor and your congregation is constantly in the back of your mind to the point that you cannot think for yourself anymore?

Serving can get the best of us if we're not careful. Those we serve can get too many, too close, too often and we end up becoming resentful, irritable, and overwhelmed. Sometimes, we need to go to where the network can't find us.

How do you get away from the network? Here are some suggestions:

• Schedule an appoint with yourself and keep it sacred.
• Build block time into your weekly routine. Block time is a 1-3 hour segment of time you reserve to accomplish those tasks which require some time to get your mind into.
• Set virtual boundaries around yourself. For example, one of my coaching clients is working on a process of closing out work from her mind as the car passes a specific point during her commute from work. Then she starts focusing on her family the rest of the drive home.

Learn to handle the network and you'll be Serving Strong!

Are you learning but never seem to get any smarter?

Ken Blanchard, Paul J. Meyer and Dick Ruhe have published the book, Know Can Do! in which they highlight the obstacles that prevent people from implementing what they learn. These obstacles include:

• Information Overload (too much learning in too little time)
• Negative Filtering (holding onto negative thought processes which prevent an open mind)
• Lack Of Follow-Up (not having a plan to put the new knowledge into action)

I have indicated in previous posts that there are two well-documented realities:

1. First Reality: There is overwhelming evidence that pastors are struggling with burnout, depression, stress, low self-esteem, loneliness, and obesity. Some say is is a result of the very profession pastors are in. They are expected to be all things to all people. Plus they are dealing with people and their struggles.
2. Second Reality: There is an over-abundance of information that addresses burnout, depression, stress, low self-esteem, loneliness, and obesity. I Google'd "stress" the other day resulting in over 285,000,000 hits in 0.5 seconds. The first page of results gave me enough information to learn what good stress is, what bad stress is, what its effect is on my life, and steps I can take to reduce the bad stress from my life.

There is a gap between the struggle pastors face and the resources that sit in bookshelves and websites across the world. The problem is in what the autuhors highlight in Know Can do!

Coaching is the key to filling this gap. With a personal coach, a pastor overcomes the obstacles mentioned above:

• The learning is in smaller bits of information more frequently
• The pastor and coach discover a positive perspective for longer-lasting impact
• The pastor and coach design a follow up plan of action that is do-able

Check out more about what coaching is.

Contact me if you're interested in exploring a coaching benefit for yourself. Learn the art of weaving balance and self-care into the fabric of your ministry.

Finding it hard to sleep as Christmas Day approaches?

We each respond to stress in our own way. But a common reaction is sleeplessness. When there are too many parties to attend, too many expectations to meet, people coming to the house, and so on, the mind doesn't know when to stop racing and just rest.

I found a site with an article on steps that may help if you are one of the many people who suffer from insomnia. Maybe one or more of the 10 steps listed will help. Some of them include setting the stage by turning off the computer and TV one hour before bedtime, listening to music without words, and imagery.

Check out the article

Sleep is one of the major factors to healthy balance and self-care. Get good sleep and you'll be Serving Strong!

"Have you left room for dessert?"

"Have you left room for dessert?"

Waiter and waitresses ask this at almost every restaurant.  The question comes toward the end of the meal and just prior to presenting the check. They want to be sure you haven't forgotten their triple chocolate truffle surprise, or their lemon encrusted pie with caramel, nuts, and whipped cream. Great stuff!

Unfortunately, I always forget about dessert. By the time I'm asked the question, I've already mentioned at least 4 times how full I am.

Christmas is just about upon us. By the time January 2, 2008 arrives, we'll wonder where all the time went. For many, this is a very hectic time of year. There are parties to plan, parties to attend, gifts to wrap, shops to visit, friends to see, family to eat with, egg nog to make, a house to clean, and on and on it goes.

This holiday, may I offer a suggestion? Instead of getting all caught up in the activity (like normal food), leave room for dessert (such as being present in the moment, enjoying the laughter of the kids, being thankful for all you have, giving to those in need, sharing God moments with the ones you love, recommitting yourself to be the best you can be in 2008, and so on.)

This Christmas, LEAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT and you'll be Serving Strong!

Trying to fit 10 pounds into a 2 pound bag?

We cleaned out our 15 year old's bedroom this past weekend. What an amazing feat! The stuff that accumulates is incredible. Some stuff is great memories. We laughed at some of the elementary papers. And the pictures we found were priceless. But most stuff is trash.

As I was getting the trash ready to take out to the garage, I was struck by a common occurrence among people (me included) who fall into the trap of thinking they need to be all things to all people. I was trying to fit more junk into a bag that was already full. Stuff was falling all around on the floor (much to my dog's delight).

Ever been too busy? One little disappointment sets you off and you wonder where your anger came from? Me too. Often we're asking ourselves, "How did I get this busy?"

How do we get so busy?

Perhaps we like being needed. Or maybe we think that just because an opportunity presents itself, that's a sign we're to jump at the chance. Saying "no" may hurt the other person. Saying "yes" feels good (at least at first).

What happens when we're too busy?

When we're involved in more than the day allows, we start to become drained. We are so busy we forget our priorities. We lose focus on what's really important. We may start treating those around us like objects to merely handle efficiently (not a good idea). Some of us get irritable. Then there's sleep loss, anxiety, and eventually depression, and so on.

What can we do about it?

• Learn to say "no". Just because an opportunity comes your way doesn't mean it requires your automatic "yes". Take some time to evaluate the opportunity. Is it reasonable? Is it within you gift mix? Is it something you feel God is asking you to do? Have you considered what you'll have to say "no" to in exchange for the "yes"?
• Find your contentment in being centered in Christ. Stay close to Him. Don't allow the feelings of being needed nudge His place at the throne of your life.

Keep your load to your capacity and you'll be Serving Strong!

Blackberry orphans

Interesting article I read in the Canadian HR Reporter this morning. It's about Blackberry owners not allowing for a more definite line between work and personal relationships. Read the entire article here.

But do you need to own a Blackberry to be doing the same thing? Do those around you feel like "ministry orphans"? Do they feel like they are getting your leftovers by the time you come home from the office?

Making the break between work and home life (work life balance) is difficult for some to do. But it IS possible. It may take some time. It may require changing some habits and setting some boundaries. But given that your closest relationships are vital to your overall health, isn't it worth it?

Here are a few tips to help make the break between ministry work and family:

• Turn off your cell phone and leave it in the car when you go in for dinner.
• If you must work at home, sit down with your family and talk out a sensible block of time for you to do work.
• Develop a "leaving the office" routine. Consider a ritual of cleaning off your desk, turning off your computer, getting on your knees, and saying a prayer of closure. And when you get up from your knees, let that symbolize leaving the work and approaching home.

A healthy balance between your ministry and your relationships is part of Serving Strong!

Thinking ahead

Ever found yourself in the middle of a thousand tasks and ask yourself, "How in the world did I get here?" I have. It creeps up on me. I'm doing fine, on top of things, and then POW, I'm knee deep in responsibilities that are pulling me in 15 different directions at once.

Life is that way sometimes. But we can minimize this occurrence by thinking ahead. To illustrate, I thought of this concept when I was returning to my office from a meeting. I knew I needed gas and the Sheetz station was up ahead on the right. So, before I approached the stop light, I moved into the right lane - in anticipation of turning right into the gas station. I was thinking ahead. In fact, while sitting at the light, I snapped a picture from the driver's seat (for those visuals reading this post!)

We can take this same concept into our balance and self-care. Here are a few examples:

• Think ahead and plan to accomplish some light duty tasks just before that potentially negative meeting with someone in a few hours.
• Think ahead and plan to take some time off just after officiating an especially difficult funeral.
• Think ahead and plan some block time to do some research if you've been asked to present on a topic a month from now.

Thinking ahead won't always keep the multitude of tasks from creeping up occasionally and making us feel overwhelmed. But it will help us keep it to a minimum.

Think ahead and you'll be Serving Strong!

The next time you're driving...

There are two common sights in front of us when we're driving. One is the gear indicator and the other is the gas gauge. Use these things to help you stay balanced and in good personal care.

GEAR INDICATOR

Generally, there are 4 main gears for driving a car. Here is a list and how it relates to your balance and self care:

P (park). We are weak in our ministry if there isn't an intentional time when we stop, park ourselves before God, and listen to his wise counsel.

R (reverse). Sometimes, for the sake of good balance, we need to go back to someone we were being short with and apologize. Jesus knew what He was saying in Matthew 18 about how vital it is to manage conflict. If we do, we are taking care of ourselves.

N (neutral). Sometimes we need to just veg out. Rest. Relax. Remain still. Catch our breath.

D (drive). There are times when we need to do some real work in ministry. These are seasons of life when hard work cannot be ignored. Some deadlines are just part of life and we need to keep them.

GAS GAUGE

Every gas tank tends to run empty if it's not filled up occasionally. Whenever you refuel at the gas station and you're standing there waiting for the pump to complete, take the time to pause and reflect on Who you are serving and how much rest you need to catch up on.

To be filed...

Does this look like a familiar sight? I think you'll find it in many church and business offices across the country. It's the job which seemingly no one wants to tackle. It may seem trivial, but it can contribute to the level of stress in the office.

Here are some suggestions to help keep it to a minimum:

1. Decide what needs to be filed. Some items contain information that could be obtained via any Google search. If so, pitch it. Don't let it fatten your files.
2. Delegate. Perhaps there is someone who actually loves to file. They have nothing else to do and could see it as their ministry (okay, I know I'm dreaming, but throw out the suggestion to those around you. You may be surprised. Someone may be called to serve as "minister of file cabinets".)
3. Share the load. If you have an office staff of individuals, ask each one to file 3 things each day as part of their routines. It will help keep the stack to a minimum. You know... "many hands make light loads" or something like that.
4. Have a file party. When the bin gets full, call the staff together, order pizza, put on some fun music, and divide out the stack to each person and have a Filing Blitz Party. Make the mundane task of filing the very thing that pulls your staff together.

Take these suggestions & eliminate this common source of stress and you'll be Serving Strong!

Two pastors talk about their depression

"Depression and burnout are becoming the occupational hazards of ministry. In a recent Enrichment poll, 17% of those who responded said that quite often they were depressed to the extent it affected their ministry performance. Another 20% said they experienced this lever of depression every 2 or 3 months."

This quote, from a Summer 2006 article in The Enrichment Journal, further highlights the kind of issues pastors face. Although it's a relatively old article, it could well have been written this morning. The issues are being felt right now by ministry servants around the world.

The article, an interview with Wayde I. Goodall and E. Glenn Wagner, is a tremendous read. Two pastors sharing their struggle with depression and the effects ministry serving had on them. If you're a ministry servant, I urge you to read it and gain comfort that you are not alone. These challenges that a such a prevalent part of ministry do NOT have to grip you to the point of hitting the wall and giving up.

Check it out

This article (and there are so many others out there saying the same thing) is why Serving Strong exists. These challenges of ministry do NOT have to grip you and render you ineffective. There is help. There is a way of Serving Strong!

It strikes me odd that, in this day of tremendous resources on preventing burnout and other side effects of ministry (books, seminars, conferences, DVD's, CD's, presentations, workbooks, home study course, etc.), so many ministry servants are still struggling. There's an apparent gap between these resources and the great people who respond to God's call on their life to serve others.

Serving Strong presents you three options that help to address this gap:

1. Blog.  You are currently reading the Serving Strong blog. This is a place to come, free of charge, to see what is going on with research and information specifically regarding balance and self care for ministry servants.
2. eNewsletter. Every Tuesday morning at 6:00 am EST, Serving Strong sends out a free, quick thought directly to the inbox of its subscribers. It doesn't take a lot of time to read. It's designed to keep balance and self care in the forefront of your mind as you pursue your calling to serve others. This newsletter is now reaching people in four countries. SUBSCRIBE TODAY. Or, CHECK THE ARCHIVES to get a feel for the eNews.
3. Coaching. This is a personal benefit designed specifically to help you identify the areas of your life that need more balance and self care. It is a designed alliance that deepens your learning and forwards your action toward true, lasting growth. It's intentional and consistent. And it works!! VISIT THE COACHING SITE for more info.

Still have questions? Call me (330.402.6600) or email me ([email protected])

The tools that make us strong also make us weak

Derek Semmler, in an article on E-momsAtHome/Dad_Balance, discusses 5 technologies that can hurt our work-life balance. They are...

1. Cellphone
2. Blackberry, etc.
3. Laptop
4. Email
5. Instant Messaging

Read the entire article for more.  Semmler goes into more detail that's helpful.

I don't think the answer is to become disconnected and throw all of these devices away. But blindly using them without having clear, specific boundaries to protect the other needed aspects of your life (such as sleep, down time, one-on-one time with your kids, etc.) is very unhealthy.

Hats off to Derek Semmler for highlighting this aspect of technology!

Use you tools wisely and you'll be Serving Strong!

Pastor burnout roundtable

I'm excited about an opportunity that has presented itself. I will be joining 2 other pastors on a panel at the Church Solutions Conference in Phoenix Arizona this February.  It will be a roundtable discussion for pastors and will touch on the unique challenges of the ministry profession. We will be addressing things that contribute to burnout.

I trust it will be a real help in this area. There are many pastors who have devoted their lives to ministry and are truly struggling with the profession, dealing with depression, obesity, loneliness, disillusionment, etc. If pastors can integrate balance and self care into their lifestyles, I believe they will be stronger servants who will make a greater impact for the redemption of the world.

Click for more information about the roundtable discussion.

Click for more information about the entire Conference.

Family...work...family...work...family...

eHarmony Labs site has a post called "How To Have Better Work-Life Balance" by Erina Lee. It's a great read for couples who are struggling to manage the family and work demands.

I'd like to highlight one key point Erina shares from a research project conducted by Shelley Haddock:

"For the family, successful couples often stated that they prioritized their family first, for example, by setting routines and rituals like having dinner together or spending time reading bedtime stories."

Prioritize your family first. Set routines and rituals. And, as Lee states, think of your job "as a way to ensure the welfare of [your] family, instead of [your] family as a way to ensure the welfare of [your] job" and you'll be serving strong!

Are you "on call"?

I read a recent post on www.MoneySmartLife.com entitled "Can You Maintain A Work Life Balance And Carry A Pager?"

I thought of all the people helping professions, such as pastors or youth workers, who although they may not carry a pager, definitely work in a profession that expects them to be "on call." How do you maintain balance when anyone could contact you and unload their burdens on you?

Here are some suggestions:

• Designate an "appointment" time each day just for you. Inform your staff or friends or anyone who works with you this is your appointment, it's not for all day, and you'll be back. We teach people how to treat us. Over time, if you're faithful to your personal appointment, people around you will get the idea and may actually help you protect that time.
• Learn more about delegation. There is an art to delegating. Basically, it's finding the right people who can handle certain situations even better than you could. Then, when people come to you with those situations, you can refer them to the delegatee. Click here for some info on delegation.
• Balance the abnormal with normal. Say you receive a call in the middle of the night to address an issue that can't wait. You lost 3 hours of sleep because of it. Balance that abnormal time with normal time. In other words, the next day, lower your expectations and perhaps even take a nap. Put off that "heavy" assignment for one day, if possible. Balance is a constant process of adjusting the sails according to the shifting winds. (NOTE: If the calls are coming in the night as a regular occurrence, perhaps it's time to...
• Get help. After you've tried setting a personal "appointment" time, delegated, and balanced abnormal for normal and you are still struggling with 24/7 on call syndrome, get help. Seek from your supervisor or district manager some sort of relief. If you work with a board, bring it up with them. Perhaps some communication is in order.

Learn to successfully push back on being "on call" and you be serving strong!

What's behind workaholism?

Adrian Furnham, Professor of Psychology, University College London, has recently issued an article in The Sunday Times, regarding workaholism. The article is a great read and very insightful.

I want to point out one point, in particular, from the article. Furnham notes that experts provide psychological definitions of the seriously and unhealthily addic-tive types:

• "Those who devote more time, attention and thought to their work than the situation demands;
• Those who become emotionally crippled and addicted to approval, control, power and success;
• Those with a chronic inability to regulate work habits, who overindulge in work to the exclusion of all else;
• Those compelled or driven to overwork by inner pressures, despite low enjoyment at the tasks."

Furnham goes on to point out many workaholics have low psychological wellbeing, poor extra-work relationships and near disastrous family life.  There's more... read the entire article.

Consider these characteristics. Do you identify with any of them? If so, you may be experiencing what is called work-life imbalance. It is a very unhealthy way to operate. It may require some investigation as to the source of your self esteem, or spending more time with your family, or working with a professional to uncover the underlying issues of the need for approval, etc.

The more you understand the reasons behind workaholism, the more you will be able to overcome it - and be serving strong!

Learning life balance from our kids

David B. Bohl has a great article about learning life balance by watching our kids and how they interact and go about their days.

Read his article.

Next time you have a moment, take some time to see how kids integrate balance into their lives.  Is there anything you can learn?

Successfully integrate balance into your daily life and you'll be serving strong!

"He put on 50 kilos and his marriage of 10 years broke apart..."

Myles Wearring has written an article on workaholism which appeared on News.com.au. Wearring highlights Andrew Griffith, his work habits and the ramifications.

Interesting how someone can work 7 days a week from 6am until 9pm and still expect to maintain a normal life with a normal marriage. In reality, it leads to a tremendous strain on relationships, weight gain, depression, lack of proper vitamins, and physical problems such as heart attacks.

What did Andrew Griffith begin to do once he woke up from his destructive lifestyle? He began to cut back on his work hours, set boundaries around his weekends, and set a decent number of workday hours. The result? Even though a re-prioritizing of his life left work last on the list, he said professionally he was, "more successful than ever before." He states that revenues increased, as did the quality and enjoyment of his work. He said, "The most successful people I see are the ones who do have balance in their lives." Hmmmm...

The article is a fascinating read. Check it out.

The most revealing statement in the article to me was a quote from Griffith:

"I based a lot of my self-worth on my success or failure in business."

Personally, I believe this is at the root of the tendency to overwork. Is that you today? Do you base your self-worth on your success or failure in your ministry? Base your self-esteem on the unconditional grace and love your Creator has for you and you'll be Serving Strong!

There's a rhythm to life

Dr. Eddie Gibbs, author of the book "Emerging Churches, Creating Christian Community in Postmodern Cultures", spoke at a seminar I attended recently. During that seminar, Dr. Gibbs shared what a rhythm of life was. It's like a pendulum swing, back and forth, from rest to work, back to rest, then work, and so on.

There are times when we are at work, producing fruitfulness and growth. And there are times when we must rest, abide in Christ, and do some pruning. In fact, it is in the resting and abiding where we find our strength and focus. Dr. Gibbs shared a quote:

"We don't rest from our work. We work from our rest."

Does that describe you today? Or do you spend too much time at one end of the pendulum?

Maintain rhythm and you'll be serving strong!

Are you procrastinating? Or just putting it off?

Gary R. Collins, counselor, coach, and author of a wide number of books, has an online newsletter to which I subscribe.  The latest issue points out why people procrastinate.  He highlights the work of Piers Steel, a researcher from the University of Calgary, and his conclusions from a ten year study of procrastinators.

Check out these major causes of procrastination and see if you identify with any of them:

• A lack of self confidence ("people who have doubts about their ability to do something tend to put things off")
• A fear of failure or a fear of being successful
• The tendency to put off tasks that are not enjoyable or boring
• Impulsiveness that causes distraction

Do any of these apply to you?

When you understand the reasons for procrastination, you can deal with it more effectively.  Ever considered you may be putting of something that could change your life for the better?

Deal with procrastination effectively and you'll be serving strong!

By the way, if you are interested in more information regarding Gary R. Collins, or would like to subscribe to his online newsletter, visit his website.

Marriage partnership and life balance

They say that the secret of a balanced Mom is an involved Dad.  A recent post reads,

"...the best way of boosting your odds of having a workable work-life balance is to make sure you have an equal partner in marriage."

Read the entire post.

The marriage partnership is just that - a partnership.  At times, there are tasks one partner needs to pick up temporarily while the other partner is overloaded.  For example, let's say your spouse is studying to complete an exam for a college course.  The trash, which is usually their responsibility, is piling up in the house.  Maybe it's time for you to lend a hand and take out the trash yourself this time.

It's about give and take.  It's about flowing with the seasons and movements of life.  It's like traveling down a river with bends and twists.  Sometimes life is like rapids and we do just what is needed to stay afloat.  Other times, life is like the lazy river and we can relax a bit.  That's what life balance is.

So, those reading this who are married - examine your marriage relationship.  Is it truly a partnership of give and take, ebb and flow?

Having an equal partnership in marriage can help ensure we are Serving Strong!

Signs of imbalance

While sipping on my first cup of coffee earlier this morning, I reviewed a blog post by a pastor in Nebraska named Mark.  He creates a good list of characteristics that make up what imbalance might look like.

Here are a few:

• Your "to do" list is roughly the size of the Empire State Building
• You feel like you're really busy, but you never seem to accomplish anything
• Your health is not as important as the things you need to do or accomplish

Read the rest...

Every day we are faced with thousands of decisions.  Take a look at the last several decisions you've made already today.  Did you decide to do that task or not? Take that call or not?  Schedule that meeting or not?

Now look at the list of imbalance characteristics Mark produced.  Does that list describe you today?  If so, what decisions led to that imbalance?  What can you do now to start changing the tide back to balance?

Knowing that imbalance looks like and making wise decisions accordingly throughout the day helps to keep serving strong!

Do you expect to live long?

An article by Miranda Hitti on WebMD.com the other day points out that the life expectancy is is as high as it has ever been in the U.S. (just over 78 years) - she cites the CDC, which bases their stats on preliminary data on over 2.5 million deaths nationwide in 2005.

Some of the details in her article include,

• Life expectancy continues to be greater for women than for men.
• Life expectancy grew to a record high for African-Americans.
• 26 countries have higher life expectancies for both men and women.
• Japan has the world's greater life expectancy (86 years) for women.

Miranda also points out the top causes of death as 1) heart disease; 2) cancer; 3) stroke.

Read the entire article.

What does this mean for serving strong?  Here are just some thoughts off the top of my head.  Perhaps you can add more...

• A healthy lifestyle promotes more time to serve other people
• NOW is the time to get your finances in order (you won't have money flowing in from a job forever)
• Check your family history for heart disease, cancer, or stroke.  If there's something there, start healthy routines to stay ahead of them.  Get a doctor's input.

We live in an amazing age!  If we live a lifestyle with proper balance and self care, we can serve out our calling longer.  Capitalize on your life expectancy and you will be serving strong!

More work life balance tips

The web continues to provide tips on how to handle a busy life.  I am posting a link to this article by Wendy Peirsall.  It's entitled, "20 Work-Life Balance Tips for the Overworked Entrepreneur."

The reason I am posting it is so readers of the Serving Strong blog can begin to see similarities in the suggestions from the various lists that have been shared over the various posts.  Repetition is good as we each continue to develop habits for greater service to others.

Some on the list from Ms Peirsall include...

• Schedule downtime
• Say NO
• Ask for help
• Focus on your outcome, not on current problems

Read on for more...

Blurring & Bending

I recently read an article about a concept called blurring & bending.  It caught my eye because it goes against conventional thinking about separating work and life.

The author of the New York Times article, Marci Alboher, talks about "blurring," the constant mixing of work and non-work activities.  She does point out, however, that...

"Whether you see yourself as a workaholic or as someone who merely blurs the line between work and play has lot to do with whether you like your work."

She also quotes Ryan Healy, in his blog, Brazen Careerist:

"This whole notion of needing to separate work and life implies that your career, which takes up about 75 percent of your day, is something you simply try to get through so you can go home and do what you really enjoy for the other 25 percent. What a terrible way to live."

The final quote by Alboher is also interesting:

"I am not yet convinced that loosening boundaries is the answer for everyone. But if you chronically blur the lines between work and life, it is wise to find work you love — or at least enjoy enough to welcome it following you home occasionally."

I would change the underlined phrase in the above quote to say it's wise to "discover the work to which you are called".  And even when you do discover that work, there will still be the need for some type of boundary between the burdens you carry on behalf of others and the life you live yourself.

I think I like the concept of blurring and bending.  It rounds out my thinking about life balance a bit.  I think it's unrealistic to think there will always be a definite separation between work & non-work.  I guess that's why balance is not a destination.  It's a process - a way of life.

Multi-tasking: Friend or foe?

Do you multi-task?

It’s the way things are done these days.  The introduction of the laptop, PDA, phones with internet, podcasting, and TV capability make multi-tasking a common occurrence among most people these days.  In fact, it seems if you can multi-task "effectively" you are among the elite in making things happen.

Does multi-tasking make you more effective?

Those at www.projectmanagementsource.com say multi-tasking is one of many ways to save time on the job.  Here’s an excerpt from their website (time saving tip on the job - tip #11):

“Multitask. Jobs that are not too critical and don’t require 100% concentration can be clubbed together –exercise while you catch up on your favorite program, or cut coupons while talking on the telephone. At the office, you can send routine emails while talking on the phone. Multitasking frees 30-60 minutes of time to be used later in the day.”

On the other hand, Hueina Su (certified empowerment coach) says to avoid it if you want to avoid burnout.  Here’s key # 6 of the Seven keys to avoiding burnout:

“Avoid Multi-Tasking. While it's impossible to totally avoid multi-tasking, try to minimize it whenever you can. Many new studies showed that your brain actually works slower when you multi-task, because it has to stop and start to switch between tasks. Multi-tasking also increases your stress level and makes you more prone to making mistakes. Because you are distracted and switching among several tasks, you might find yourself running like crazy but not accomplishing much at the end of the day. It's very frustrating when every project is half-done and you can't cross them off your list. A better approach is to tackle the most important task for the day first (like Brian Tracy said, "Eat that frog"), and then move on to the next one.”

For more formal research, there’s the Cornell University study entitled, “The Laptop and the Lecture: The Effects of Multitasking in Learning Environments” by Helene Hembrook and Geri Gay.  They compared 2 groups of students during a lecture.  One group was allowed to keep their laptops open to engage in browsing, searching, and/or social computing behaviors during the lecture.  The other group was asked to keep their laptops closed.  Here is an excerpt from their findings:

“In two studies, students performing multiple tasks performed significantly poorer on immediate measures of memory for the to-be-learned content.  In follow-up analysis we discovered that page-relevant content did not predict better performance, and spending the majority of class time on class related content did not result in better test performance.  This suggests strongly that memory decrement in multitasking situations is the result of the proportion of time drawn off task.”

My opinion: There are definitely times when multi-tasking is inappropriate, such as in the case of texting while driving, or checking email during a meeting.  Although this is my opinion, there is documentation of fatal results from driving while texting, etc.

Perhaps there are certain times when multi-tasking is appropriate.  As in the case of stretching your calves while brushing your teeth.  But, even in that example, is your less-than-100% attention on your calves going to possibly result in improper stretching (or missing a row of teeth)?  You get the idea.

I believe the main issue with multi-tasking is focus.  How important is it to you to be 100% focused on a particular task?  For example, say you’ve got a presentation to make (or a sermon).  How important is your focus during the prep time?  If you miss a key point or some research, what impact will that have when you get up to present the material?  Wouldn’t it be better to schedule an appointment with yourself and sequester yourself for the sole purpose of preparing for the presentation?

Bottom line:  Be wary of multi-tasking.  I think it’s gotten too much positive press in recent days.  It may not be all it’s cracked up to be.  Stay 100% focused most of the time and you'll be serving strong!

Related Links:

• Time saving tips on the job:  Tip #11 – Multi-task
• Seven keys to avoiding burnout:  Key #6 – Avoid Multi-tasking
• Cornell University Study - The Laptop and the Lecture: The Effects of Multitasking in Learning Environments

Blowing a fuse isn't a bad thing...

I was out running errands the other day.  I got a call from one of my kids.  They said they couldn't close the garage doors with the opener.  They had to manually put them down.

Immediately I remembered what I had done to cause the problem.  I used our air compressor earlier.  It's quite old.  If I don't turn it off, it will try to recycle and it gets stuck, pushing too much power through the circuit, blowing the fuse for the power that goes to it as well as the garage doors.  So, when I got home I replaced the fuse and all was well again.

The thought occurred to me - "well, it's better than a fire."  The fuse did its job.  It kept the wiring from overheating, causing a fire.  It stopped the flow of energy because something wasn't working properly.

Blowing a fuse isn't always a bad thing.

We talk about people who have a tendency to blow a fuse.  And I guess that's not the best way to react when upset at something or someone.  But what if we had early warning signs that alerted us to the fact that we were potentially becoming overwhelmed?

What are your early warning signs?  How do you know when your life is approaching imbalance?  How can you tell when self care has taken a back seat to caring for others?

I ran across a recent article that listed a few signs of typical burnout.  Here are a couple:

• Your co-workers are walking on eggshells around you.
• You come in late and want to leave earlier
• Apathy has replaced enthusiasm
• ...check out the entire article

These are some indications you may need to make some changes to your routine.

The BEST early warning signs, however, are those which are personal to you.  And only you can define them.  Perhaps with the help of a friend or coach, you can identify YOUR specific warning signs.  Do this and you'll be serving strong!

Life balance means giving up

"The essence of balance is in giving up."

This concept comes from the book, The Road Less Traveled, written by M. Scott Peck, MD.

Consider this scenario:  You're riding down a steep hill, enjoying the speed, the wind in your hair, the feeling of freedom.  But at the bottom of the hill is a curve you must negotiate to stay on the road.  You are faced with a decision:  "Do I slow down to take the curve, or do I continue to enjoy this speed?"

"Balancing is a discipline precisely because the act of giving something up is painful.  And the loss of balance is ultimately more painful than the giving up required to maintain balance."

If you choose to continue enjoying the speed, the wind in your hair, and so on, you will ultimately have to deal with the consequences of the curve in the road.  You'll have to give up something.  Which will it be?

Now, consider this scenario:  You're a father wanting to spend time with your daughter.  The aim is to have a happier, closer relationship.  She loves chess.  You ask her to join you in a game.  She jumps at the chance.  However, the game continues on into the night.  Your daughter is rigidly disciplined in her sleep habits.  She wants to end the game and go to bed.  But you get upset at her lack of commitment to finishing what she starts.  She gets up from the game crying, stomping off to bed.

"Balancing is a discipline precisely because the act of giving something up is painful.  And the loss of balance is ultimately more painful than the giving up required to maintain balance."

In this scenario, the father needed to give up his need to win at all costs, to win at parenting, and his enthusiasm, competitiveness, and seriousness of play.  Giving that up would have resulted in a happier, closer relationship.

What are your scenarios?  Do you need to give up anything in the short run to enjoy the greater benefits of balance?

Click here to get a copy of M. Scott Peck's book, The Road Less Traveled.

Busy, Busy, Busy

I recently read an interesting article called "Distracted from God - A Five Year Worldwide Study" by Michael Zigarelli, author of the book, Freedom from Busyness.

Mr. Zigarelli explains that both internal obstacles (pride, fear, greed, etc.) and external obstacles (cultural conditioning, legal constraints, etc.) combine to make daily surrender a challenge.  He compares that fact with the call of God which says, "whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did." (1 John 2.6)

Busyness, hurry overload, burnout, over-extension -- these are all descriptors of a common way of life revealed by Zigarelli's 5-year study.  This way of life is characterized as an accelerated pace and activity level such that it "distracts us from God and separates us from the abundant, joyful, victorious life He desires for us."

The professionals with the most to say,  "I rush from task to task." (54%) are pastors.

Read the entire article.

Now what can overcome this hurried, busy lifestyle?  Believe it or not, there actually is a website dedicated to slowing down.  It's www.slowdownnow.org.  Although the site may appear a bit hedonistic, there really is a benefit to slowing down.  Here are a few "slow down secrets":

• Write down these words and place them where you can see them, "Multitasking is a moral weakness"
• Try the “One Minute Slow Exercise.” (Slow down for just one minute. If you are walking, slow down the pace. If you are driving, ease up on the pedal. Slow down your rate of speech. Did you notice anything different?)
• Do not be pushed into answering a question right away. Take your time.
• Read more secrets...

Michael Zigarelli has written a book to address this addiction to busyness.  It can be obtained from LifeWay.

Learn to beat busyness and you'll be serving strong!

Overcoming distraction

You want to serve strong.  You know this requires staying focused on your personal life balance & self care.  It means developing a lifestyle of setting and achieving periodic goals and milestones.

But distraction keeps you off course.  Life is full of distractions, either coming from sources within you or around you.  A page from Mindtools.com indicates that distraction "is damaging to your performance because it interferes with your ability to focus and disrupts flow.  It interferes with the attention that you need to apply to maintain good technique."

But how do you successfully overcome distraction?

Mindtools.com provides some insight on "distraction management."  Some thoughts include:

• Realize that when you are distracted and make a mistake, you haven't lost your skills.  All you've lost is your focus
• Remember that although events may be beyond your control, your reactions to events are entirely controlled by you.
• Think positively.  Recognize petter irritations as such, and let them go
• ...check out the entire article for more information

Coping with distraction is primarily a matter of attitude.  Either dwell on them and make them bigger than they are, or accept them and bypass them - staying focused on your objectives.

Learn to beat distraction every time and you'll be serving strong!

The best way to handle incoming cell phone calls

Turn it off.

Is your work/life balance like a Minneapolis bridge?

First, I want to express my sympathy to those in Minneapolis who have lost loved ones or who may still be waiting to find out if their family members are among the missing.  This is a tragedy and unless we've experienced this sort of thing personally, there is little more than prayer that we can do to help ease their pain.

Although the cause of the collapse is yet to be determined, it seems it may have been either a result of using the bridge for more than was intended; or inadequate care & maintenance.  This incident provides an interesting analogy to a person's effectiveness and their life balance & self care.

We wake up, get ready, head out the door, do our people-helping thing, run to this issue, back to that issue, help this person, try to help that person, fill out forms, pray for this group and that group, go to the bank, get some groceries, spend some time with the kids, attend a meeting or two (or three or four), grab a quick lunch, prepare for a future presentation, rush to a doctor's appointment, hurry home, eat dinner, read the newspaper, get ready for bed, and lay there staring at the ceiling...

...staring at the ceiling, thinking about tomorrow:  "Will it be the same as today?"  "How much can I possibly get done tomorrow on that important issue I'm facing?"  "What did I have for lunch today?"

Busy-ness is chronic.  There will ALWAYS be a lot to do than time will permit.  If a people helper allows himself/herself to become a victim to daily circumstances, running like a chicken without a head, sooner or later they will be in desperate need of extreme help themselves.  Like the Minneapolis bridge, people without an adequate lifestyle of balance and self care will eventually collapse.

The real issue is learning how to choose the things that must get done WHILE AT THE SAME TIME taking care of the physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, financial, relational aspects of life.  Develop and incorporate a lifestyle of balance & periodic maintenance and you'll be serving strong!

What are YOU doing to ensure that you won't collapse under the weight of your calling?

Family balance for leaders

Monday Morning Insights provides a category of links all about life balance for church leaders.

Current topics include...

• Four types of friends a pastor needs
• Can pastors survive the strain of change?
• We're not called to quit!
• Max Lucado: Finding your "sweet spot" in ministry
• "I sure don't feel like a pastor today..."
• Saturdays and Sundays: Sabbath or Sanctified?
• Lonely preachers...Everywhere
• Young Pastors and stress

Check it out and continue serving strong!

Are you an expert?

"The journey to truly superior performance is neither for the faint of heart nor for the impatient. The development of genuine expertise requires struggle, sacrifice, and honest, often painful self-assessment. There are no shortcuts. It will take you at least a decade to achieve expertise, and you will need to invest that time wisely, by engaging in “deliberate” practice—practice that focuses on tasks beyond your current level of competence and comfort."

This is a quote from a Harvard Business Review article.  It can also be applied to any efforts we are making to create a lifestyle of balance and self care as we pursue our calling to help people.  In this context, the quote could be re-written as follows:

"The journey to a truly superior lifestyle of balance and self care is neither for the faint of heart nor for the impatient. This process requires struggle, sacrifice, and honest, often painful self-assessment. There are no shortcuts. It will take you at least a decade to achieve your rhythm, and you will need to invest that time wisely, by engaging in “deliberate” practice—practice that focuses on tasks beyond your current level of competence and comfort."

Serving strong over the length of a calling doesn't come by accident.  One cannot assume that just because they are engaged in the business of helping people that they will automatically be taken care of personally.  It requires an intentional, deliberate approach to protect the financial, spiritual, emotional, mental, relational, and physical aspects of our personal life.

What steps are YOU taking to ensure a truly superior lifestyle of balance and self care?

Great listeners have great ideas and serve greatly

Ever have a great idea just come to you?  I bet it was while you weren't actively thinking about the topic.  More than likely it came to you while you were actually doing something else - unrelated to the topic.

That's what Steve Chandler and Duane Black point out in their book, The Hands-Off Manager.  They talk about great ideas coming while in the shower, doing easy yard work, etc.  Why is that?  The authors point out that,

"It's because you've stopped trying to control your thinking.  You've taken your hands off your mind and allowed the wisdom within to emerge."

They indicate that at the mental level it's a difference between talking and listening.  And listening isn't just when you're in conversation with another person.  It's about,

"...listening to yourself; tuning in to your own heart and mind, because if you learn to listen to your inner being, you will learn more than if you're always trying to talk to yourself about how things should be."

This is huge in life balance and self care if you're working in the people profession.  Developing a lifestyle of listening to yourself is vital to survival.  For example, it means observing your reactions to people when you're tired.  It means noticing when you are completely at ease and at peace in certain situations.

It also involves asking questions of yourself:  For example, when do you get angry?  Why?  When are you at your best?  What are the triggers for that to happen?

The better you know how God has assembled you, the better in tune you will be with what gets to you as well as what jazzes you.  And that is part of serving strong!

Captain of your own Titanic?

Dr. John Maxwell, in his book, Talent is Never Enough, quotes Dr. Tim Elmore, Founder and President of Growing Leaders, Inc., when speaking of the Titanic disaster:

“The huge and unsinkable ship received 5 iceberg warnings that fateful night, April 14, 1912, just before it went down.  When the sixth message, ‘Look out for icebergs!’, came during the wee hours of the next morning, the operator wired back, ‘Shut up, I’m busy!’  Those were his last words over the wire.  They underestimated the power of the iceberg and overestimated their own strength.  What an accurate description of so many people today!”

One thing I've noticed among people helpers is their tendency to serve at the expense of their own well being.  The people helper tends to think that to take care of themselves is equal to being selfish.

But if we, in the people-helping vocation, don't take the time to hammer out a consistent and effective life balance and self care system, we will one day be surprised at the damage it's doing to our "ship."

Don't let pride get in the way of serving for a lifetime.  Don't underestimate the power of stress.  Don't overestimate your own strength.  Remain teachable.

Take the time to care for your own life balance & self care and you'll be serving strong!

Are you allergic?

I recently read an excellent article in the Spring 2007 edition of the Leadership Magazine.  Written by Brian McLaren it's entitled, "Our Allergic Reactions."

The gist of the article is what I felt compelled to post on because it impacts the life balance and self care of the person in the people helping profession.  The gist:

We are only as sick as our reactivity against certain things (or anything, really.)  The greater our reactivity, the more likely our sickness.

For example, a strong reaction to church legalism can result in going overboard on our freedoms, ignoring the boundaries created for our very protection and fulfillment; or too strong a reaction to work done sloppily can lead to the unhealthy effects of perfectionism; and so on.

Suggested remedies:  View criticism by others as a friend, not a foe; develop a relationship with a spiritual director.  And I'm reminded of a quote I've heard before, "Everything in moderation.  Even moderation."

Check out the entire article.

Keep your reactivity (to anything) in check and you will ensure you are serving strong!

Letting it go

Ever been to a bowling alley and watched someone bowl?  See how they let the ball go and then, as if they could do anything about it, they lean one way and then the other to help the ball go where they want it?  Some even use their hands to wave the ball to the left or right.

We laugh at such a notion, but don't we do this in life?  We will soon be moving our daughter into her college dorm for the first time.  Don't you know I am already wondering what I can be doing now to be sure she turns out alright!  She's a great kid, don't get me wrong.  I just find myself thinking, "have I done a good job as a parent?"

And I wonder how many times in our ministry to people we need to simply let go and allow God to do His work in their lives.  I wonder how much unnecessary stress we add to our lives by worrying about what kind of job we're doing.

Is there something you are holding on to that needs to be released?  Learn to let go when it's time to let go.  It reduces stress.  It helps us serve strong!

Marathons and 100 Meter Dashes

What are your expectations for results in the area you serve?  What about your expectations for your own self care, balance, or spiritual journey?  If you ever get impatient about your progress or the progress of those you serve, remember the difference between a 100 meter dash and a marathon.

100 meter dashes are short, quick spurts of energy.  Then the race is over.  This is a kind of philosophy intertwined in our American culture.  We want things now.  We want to accomplish tasks fast and get them over with.  We see this in fad diets, fast food, instant messaging, and instant potatoes.

Marathons are a process - a journey.  Some training runs are long.  Shoes, eating right, stretching, and adequate sleep are vital to a successful marathon finish.  This kind of philosophy is rare in our American culture.  It means we have to wait longer for results.  It means hard work.  It means taking our time.

The 100 meter dash approach will not ultimately lead to long term success in ministry.  The marathon approach will.  Add these words to your vocabulary:  Endurance.  Patience.  Perseverance.  Strength of service.  Waiting... and serve strong over the long haul!

Look to the kids for work/life balance

Just a quick link to a recent post on Fast Company.  Sometimes we need to look to our kids to remind us of what's ethical and balanced.

Check it out.

Keep the fire hot

Over the holiday weekend I was burning some twigs and branches that had fallen in my yard over the past winter and spring.  As I was doing that I was reminded of the need to keep the fire going in my heart and ministry.  Here are a couple things that went through my mind:

1. Fires need the certain elements to stay hot.  They need wind, oxygen, and something to burn.  This is true of our "ministry fire" as well.  Among other things, we need the influence of God's Holy Spirit, wisdom of others, and even adversity to help us remain hot in pursuit of all God asks of us.  What are the right elements that keep YOUR ministry fire hot?
2. Fires need to be stoked periodically.  We, too, need to stoke the flames of our ministry as well.  Sometimes the ministry gets old. The needs of people overwhelm us.  But we can keep the flames hot by by reading a book, going on a personal spiritual retreat, fasting, and so on.  It's what keeps our ministry from becoming just another job.  What do YOU do to keep your ministry fire stoked?

Keep the fire hot and serve strong!