Three Breakfasts and a Lunch

 

Dang it, I’m not getting it done. Despite my very best intentions, I find myself a full week plus behind on publishing. I’ll get better. I appreciate those who prod me to get going. It’s what a network of friends is all about. The fellowship is wonderful and the shared experiences memorable. However, the accountability factor and constant encouragement to complete a commitment is highly valued.

Wednesday was quite the day. Completely lost control of my scheduling … three breakfast meetings, a lunch, a dinner, and a night in Stillwater for Bedlam basketball. That’s not counting the other obligations that filled my day.

However, as I thought about the Thursday following, I wasn’t the least bit fatigued; rather, I was upbeat and energetic and ready for the next flurry of activity. And appreciative of the day before me. Maybe not fond of the calories consumed in all those “meal meetings” but content to know I got to hang out with some people that I really admire, appreciate, and value.

A decade ago, it seemed like a rhythm like this was par for the course. I evaluated my success by the filled meeting blocks on my calendar. Busyness was seen as an attribute.

That’s different today. One of the lessons I’ve learned (after several mentors bludgeoning me over the head) was that more was not better. That to successfully compete for the long-haul, one had to find time for relaxation, visioning and reflection. I’m still not good at it but getting better.

Look at my calendar monthly view now and you’ll find full days with no obligations. Simply opportunities to recharge and reorient. On occasion, it still seems counterintuitive to me that I can accomplish more by “doing less,” but it’s proving to be very true.

One of my favorite verses from the Old Testament is Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” I think there’s so much merit in that admonition and I’m learning to appreciate it more every day. Stillness and confidence in recharging are an attribute to be pursued. Just as some of you have done in terms of my blogging enterprise, I hope you will hold me accountable for moments of stillness and contemplation.