I’ve tackled many a complex project that needed some headbanging to get around an obstacle. Dipping and diving around the problem, it seems we miss some of the best logic available. A simple approach may be the best approach. Complex solutions exist for complex problems, but if you step back and take a fresh look, the challenge might not be that difficult at all.
Several times, project meetings came close to getting out of hand as we tried our best to find a solution. There was a lot of brain-power along with willpower challenging all comers. I will be the first to say that my solution was not always the best answer. If you are leading a project, you need to be the one to allow the resolution to come from someone who may be seeing it from a different perspective.
God gave me the wisdom and continues to do so,
Let others shine in their moment!
Quaint sayings come to mind. “A rising tide lifts all ships” and its direct opposition, “Loose lips sink ships.” Pick your poison, but know where your best solution comes from!
Since I’m a driver by nature, the photo for this blog made me pause to think. Was this approach really the best?
Rushing Into Year End
Several obstacles reared their head and have created unique challenges as I face the new year. Cold weather and snow (not a problem for me, you know!). Late vacation and closed mountain passes while driving home. Canceled church services. Omicron flare. Barriers. Obstacles. Challenges. Needs of our church family, and my family.
I know many will quit and go do something else. (I hear they desperately need truck drivers!) It’s true, pressure cooks, the temps rise, and our relief valves don’t help. Watch out! She’s gonna blow! I honestly think: Where’s my section of ground? A valley. Tall mountain. Hanging glacier. A river running through it, and not another smoke stack in sight!
How do you handle the rush of many irons in the fire? When the pressure is on, how well do you handle it?
My first question has often been: Is this an emergency? If so, “it” becomes our focus. If it’s down the list, then let it percolate for awhile as we focus on the main thing. God! Help me know how to handle each emergency!
Let’s keep the main thing, the main thing! ~Franklin Jones
My next question? How much effort does this need from me right now? I’ve learned there are others who can handle many tasks more efficiently than I, but it’s often harder to let go and let someone else do. The disciples learned their job was focusing on prayer and minstering the Word, so they appointed seven men of good report to handle the needs of the moment. (Acts 6:1-7) God! Help me trust myself better to let others do what they are so good at doing!
Final Thought
Last night, a good and able man in our church perused all the events of 2021 and compiled a great year in review video. We streamed it live for our last service of 2021. A midweek Bible study night. One thing I’ve learned from this man through the years of knowing him, he has a talent that exceeds mine in so many areas. Yes, I will still verify his work because he asks me to, but I also trust him implicitly.
Here’s my thought… I’m getting better! Trust and Responsibility rests well on other shoulders.