Time management
Yesterday, I got to attend a class in Time Management and Organization. I’d been bugging a consultant friend to let me follow his course (for free), given to civil servants from around Lausanne. He not only let me come (this time), but wants me to teach it (next time).
Great advice was given, lots of strategies debated and problems discussed. Many folks have extremely tough work environments, even in the public service.
During the lunch break, being somewhat on my own, I began thinking of Jesus’ teaching on managing difficult times and situations. His advice, his order, “Do not worry†would sound pretentious, even lacking sympathy, if put on the lips of anyone else. But as the Son of God, Jesus not only challenges but also comforts, revealing that faith in the One who feeds the sparrow and clothes the lilies will energize life, especially in times such as these.
One day we will be on the other side of all this stuff and the question will not be so much what we did financially to get through it, but rather did we seek his reign? Did we search for his righteousness? Did we continue to live generous lives of solidarity with others and trust in the Father?
And the answer will be: Of course we did. What else could we do? He takes care of us.
evendays
October 10, 2008@ 1:33 pm
Great reminder. Thanks.
October 10, 2008@ 3:52 pm
I’m reading “Paul’s Idea of Community” right now. Not my favorite read, but I do appreciate what the author says about those early churches. They weren’t communes, with everybody pooling their resources and sharing alike. But those who had were expected to share with those who didn’t. Even when sharing would really hurt.
If we act as church, we are guaranteed that we’ll weather this storm.
October 11, 2008@ 1:48 pm
Amen to you, Judy, and Steve.
I”m always blown away (even after 28 years) at the beginning of the school year by the level of multi-tasking that is demanded to teach, discipline, inspire, meet the standards, take attendance, meet the legal requirements of ESE, ESOL, and 504 Plan students as well as make Algebra “fun.”
Then I remember a little “time management” tool a favorite Principal of mind was fond of reciting:
“The instructional program comes first.” Everything else I mentioned is important but without the planning and delivery of instruction, I’m just a “well-paid” baby sitter. I wonder if that advice could work for the church?