In Chapter 2 (“From Overscheduled to Organized: Harnessing Your Calendar’s Power”) of Simplify, Bill Hybels begins with the wry observation that “our schedules are packed so tight, we couldn’t slip a razor blade between appointments.” Our busyness easily becomes a source of pride, feeding our sense of importance. But this pride nourishes something unhealthy in us, and the cost is severe. Pastor Hybels cautions:
“A runaway calendar . . . holds you hostage to tangible things- meeting, appointments, and projects- without giving proper priority to the intangibles: who you are becoming, your relationships with family and friends, your connectedness to God.”
Breaking the pattern of chronic over-scheduling necessitates conscious intervention. Yet, people often sound as if they had no choice in the matter. Pastor Hybels interrupts with a news flash: You are the boss of your schedule!
However, simply reshuffling the same deck of cards consistently will deal the same too-busy hand. To achieve a simplified life, the hours of each day must be well-invested, holistically creating room for both outward activities and inner priorities. The author emphasizes the calendar is our “primary tool” for helping us become who we want to become.
Next, Pastor Hybels asks us to consider how we would spend our time if God were in charge of it.
Today’s question: Following your vocation loss how have you established balance between outward activities and inner priorities? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: the new Short Meditation, “Lessons from a burrowing owl”
