We’re busy – But is it the right busy?

When I was a kid, my family and I would usually watch, as most of America did, The Ed Sullivan Show on Sunday nights.  The variety show featured the latest pop music groups, comedy acts, and entertainers.  I remember a guy who would come on and spin plates, a large number of them.  I always wondered how someone began doing that, what his childhood and teenage years must have been like” “Look mom what I’ve been working on in the garage for the last 7 months.  Oh, and sorry about those two over there.  We still have 2 and a half to use for supper.”

It’s funny though how that image (like this one) has stuck in my head as I think about being a leader.  In fact, I’ve discussed this analogy before.  Look at that guy in the picture.  Don’t some of our weeks look like that?  We’ve taken on so much to manage, to think about, and to keep ‘spinning’ that we’re doing all we can just to reach the next spot, complete the next task, and be productive.

The illusion of the plate spinner is that he or she is accomplishing something due to the busy-ness.  Yet, the plates remain in place, no new plates are created, we aren’t touched deeply, and at the end of the performer’s work the best he or she can say is “I survived without a plate breaking.”

Now, I know that for some us who serve in management positions, we are responsible (and paid!) to get our organization or company through a week without much falling apart (or breaking!).  But, we will stay in place if we don’t find ways to avoid the frantic, moving plate to plate.  We will not be creative if there isn’t time to renew, reflect, and rest (rest is under-discussed as a necessary ingredient to effective leadership).  We won’t touch others deeply if our own lives and souls aren’t irrigated with fresh thinking and spiritual renewal. At the end of each week, I want to say more than just, “Whew!  I made it!”

I am reminded of Steven Covey‘s book First Things First and his reminder to make sure we start by planning around what’s most important as we schedule each week.  He said, “Urgency is a counterfeit to importance.”  I see that confusion often in youth ministry circles. We’re busy, but is it the right busy?  The busy-ness makes us feel important, but isn’t it just plate-spinning?   If we aren’t analyzing our time spent, how do we know we’re doing what matters most in our work?

So, I’ve been thinking about how I make each week count in a way where I can enjoy life and work.  And I’ll tell you that this year has gone fairly well so far. Even though I’ve taken on more responsibilities and projects, some personal guidelines and safeguards that Kelly and I have put in place have kept the frantic living at bay.

And yet I want to be sure that each week counts, that each week has room for foundational elements (i.e. rest, working out, spiritual renewal, disciplined reading, family time, mentoring other leaders)

So, as you think about how we can we sense fulfillment and purpose as we work, what have you done that has worked well for you? What foundational practices do you make sure are present in your life each week?

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