I like to organize my thoughts through a mind map. So, a few days before the new year began, I placed a bubble in the middle of my journal page and wrote, "My New Year's Intentions for 2013." And then I began to add bubbles around it and clusters of thoughts related to those bubbles.
As I scanned my memory and wrote down ideas of what might become an intention to live into this coming year, I also saw a theme arise. Many of my bubbles had to do with balance--that elusive ideal I've often striven for in the past. Some bubbles included things like more consistent Sabbath keeping, improved self-care and planning margin--all things that have to do with balancing work with rest and play.
But the obvious next question was "How?" How do I create balance or manage all the disparate parts of my life in a way that I helps me have some margin. As I considered the question, something came to mind that might be counter-intuitive to what you might expect to be an answer. It was the thought that I need to become a single-tasker. I need to learn how to focus on one thing at a time. It's trying to do too many things at once that creates the feeling of being overwhelmed and lacking balance.
Jesus had some things to say about single-tasking in the story about Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42. Do you know the story? Jesus
was in their home one day along with a number of his disciples. He was teaching
them when Martha, busy in the kitchen, interrupted him with a
clearly annoyed tone in her voice. She asked him to tell her sister, Mary, to
get up from her place sitting at his feet and come help get lunch on the table.
Jesus responded with some pointed words. “My dear Martha, you are worried and
upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned
about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke
10:41, 42).
I’ve heard a lot
of interpretations of this story, as you might have, but one application worth considering is Jesus’ suggestion that “there is only one thing
worth being concerned about” at a time
and if you discover that, it won’t be taken away from you. Mary was embodying
the posture of a person who was aware of what was most important in that moment
and she stay focused on it. She was a single-tasker. Martha, on the other hand,
was a multi-tasker; she was worried about many things--a habit that creates the feeling that life is out-of-balance and overwhelming.
So, over the next few weeks, I want to think more deeply about what it means to be a single-tasker--to take Jesus' advice and be concerned about one thing at a time. I hope it will lead to a little more balance and peace of mind. Join me in this New Year 2013 as I write about "Declarations of a Single-tasker."
2 comments:
Now Fred, Velma, Daphne, Shaggy and Scooby are on a wild goose chase, trying to solve the mystery and sealing the monsters back in the book.. [url=http://www.ukdresshop.co.uk]Bridesmaid Dresses uk[/url]
[url=http://www.expeditionparkaca.com]canada goose online[/url] Any almond pudding is definitely traditional though a good window connected with new the hot months fruit is a perfect finish Orhan once announced a completely new eating venue together with the difficulty he would most likely forget about the majority of the standard entrepreneurs together with feature main courses because those adore meze an excessive amount Monster Beats By Dr Dre and additionally don? give right admiration in the proper Turkish making Mommy not to mention Dad were sharing corner terms prior to sleep time* Sibling Ashton told them people were adhered to Related Sally assured the little one on the subject of her own good friend disappearing a particular nightAll these things can coagulate directly into things
I'm ready for it. [url=http://www.londongenuinepandora.com]thomas sabo[/url] Feminine girls know how to act proper and well mannered in all situations. A is for ALDO is about matching the different scents to your own personality. On the more expensive end of things ($150 and up), you are going to find professional quality headphones.
10. [url=http://www.femmescanadagoose.com]Canada Goose Expedition Parka[/url] Does anyone still make/sell moustache wax? Will regular hair gel work? Do I need a pomade? Would petroleum jelly work?.
Her European tour in 1947, a much publicised affair in which Evita visited various heads of state, was derided by some as an excuse to deposit funds in a Swiss bank account, some of which was supposed to be earmarked for charitable donations.. They also have the usual TJ Maxx there as well.. They deliver full internet management services to clients needing to outsource their website local internet marketing. [url=http://www.promkleidde.com/]mori lee prom dresses[/url]
So appreciate your thoughts on this...multi-tasking has had more affect on my brain than I want to consider. There are studies that indicate it burns brain cells at the same rate as smoking cocaine. Having a greater understanding of Jesus' words is extremely encouraging...I however know that living them out will require much more attention. The acceptance of multi-tasking will require a high degree of discipline to overcome. THANKS, Beth!
Post a Comment