Meditations for Christians Who Try To Be Perfect
Saturday 4th of February 2012
Less Is Sometimes More
Psalm 127:1-2: “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling…” (v.2).
The deadline for an important project is approaching. Similar jobs have taken longer than the time we have. How then can we finish on time? “Just work harder and longer,” we say. However, is that wise advice? Can we ignore the reality of our time limitations? “Contrary to Conventional Wisdom …the next time you are faced with a difficult task, remember a passionate 90 percent is better than a panicked 110 percent,” says Robert Kreigel, in his book, If it Ainšt Broke . . . Break It! If a deadline extension is impossible, perhaps we can alleviate some of the “time panic” by: * Limiting the number of hours spent on each specific phase of the job; * Curtailing ineffective rehashing and worry; * Asking for assistance; * Being satisfied with the best we can do at the moment, and not expecting perfection.
You and I are not indispensable. We cannot stuff additional accomplishments into a limited time span, merely by “willing” to do so. Going faster and trying harder may crush creativity and decrease productivity. When we work in cooperation with our limitations, we experience less stress.
Lord, help me be reasonable about my expectations.
And realize that less is sometimes more.
Copyright 2012 Joan C. Webb
For more from Joan Webb visit www.joancwebb.com
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