Habit #7 from Stephen R. Covey's "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People"
"Sharpen the saw focuses on balanced self-satisfaction: Regain what Covey calls "production capability" by engaging in carefully selected recreational activities." taken from Wikipedia.
Let's talk balanced recreational activities and production capability for a moment. Over the 10 years that I've been in "full-time ministry", I've had to find a rhythm that works for me and my family. In my first year of ministry it was not uncommon for me to work 60-70+ hours per week. I know everyone thinks that ministers don't really work; and that if you are not doing "manual" labor then you shouldn't get tired. But 60-70+ hours in pastoral ministry will kick your butt! And it showed; I was more stressed out and cranky that first year than I've ever been in my life.
I had to discover some things to bring some balance back to my life - here are some of the things I realized:
* I am not superman - I can't fix everyone's problems.
* Overworking causes productivity to suffer.
* I can't make everyone happy.
* People would be more than happy to applaud my hard work while they lower me six foot into the ground.
* If I work smarter I can accomplish 80% of my tasks in 20% of intensely focused effort.
* I'm not married to the church - the church is the Bride of Christ - not the Bride of Kris.
* Pastoral ministry is not my life it is my career and calling - Christ is my life (Col. 3:4)
When I started to understand these things I no longer felt bad for taking my day off, taking all of my vacation days, leaving work early if possible, saying "no" when necessary, going to the golf course, taking repeated vacations to Disney World, attending a conference once a year or even more, not always answering the phone after 8:00 p.m., etc...
That's when my ministry became more effective and God was glorified even in my rest and recreation.
How about you, have you found the balance between work and rest?
This is an area I am growing in, thanks to you! Comments you have left for me on my blog, especially my TOXIC post, have really helped me to begin developing a healthy balance. I am very grateful! And I bet Kimmy is too ;o)
ReplyDeleteThis is a constant struggle for me with two kids, one on the way, a husband in full-time ministry, and a full-time job. I believe that only with the understanding that it is God I am serving will I be successful with this balance. I try to put my family first always and sometimes that gets in the way with my time with God. I am learning to give God my time and He will give me enough time for my family and all I need to do.
ReplyDelete