Our family has a storage unit from our double move this summer. We had to keep a bunch of stuff in storage for the transition. We’re finally going through and trying to clean everything out. There’s stuff we just need to get rid of and tough decisions need to be made. I saw my golf clubs in the corner. That’s a keeper. Well, it’s really just taking up space. I haven’t golfed in a year or two. I keep saying I will, but I don’t. I don’t have the time. I fought (internally), but knew it was just time to get rid of them. I’m not going any time soon, and they’re just taking up space and cluttering my house and life. It’s time for them to go (which reminds me, anyone want to buy some golf clubs?)
You have limits. Your company/organization has limits. Your church has limits. We don’t always like to admit this, but we have to. We need to make choices about what we’re going to do.
For example, I love playing softball. I’m pretty average, and I’m at the very least not a hindrance to our team. I do think I make our team look better. But, 6 years ago, I stopped playing. Our first son was born, and I had to make decisions where I would spend my time. I couldn’t be out every week playing softball, and playing bass (which I also miss) on top of being out for meetings, spending time with family, and all the other things I needed to do. There came a point where I had to say no to some good things, because they weren’t the best.
If you try to do everything, you will fail. If you try to make everybody happy, you will fail. You need to pick and choose what you do well and what you feel that God’s called you to. Sure, this may sound a little ambiguous, but take your best shot. Your best guess is still better than trying to do everything. You can always change later. Eventually you will run out of steam trying to do everything. Worse, you’ll try to do everything and not do anything well.
So, take a look at your life, take a look at the things you are in charge of. Are you doing too much? The things you’re already doing, are you doing them well? Often, when we know things need to change, the solution isn’t to add more, it’s to start removing some clutter, even if they are very “good” things. Don’t let good get in the way of best.
*And if you’re really interested in this type of thing, make sure you check out “Choosing to Cheat” by Andy Stanley. Great book.
