Thursday, November 6, 2014

Time Burnout Restoration



"He said to them, 'Come away by yourselves to a remote place and rest for a while.' For many people were coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. So they went away in the boat by themselves to a remote place...." Mark 6:31-32 (HCSB)

As we are looking at the epidemic of burnout in today's clime, we have sought ways from Dr. Richard Swenson's book Margin on how we can restore balance in our lives. we have mused over Emotional and Physical restoration, and today we will ponder Time restoration.

In his book, Dr. Swenson lists 16 prescriptions for restoring balance to our lives. And, once again I will just touch on a couple of these. A few of these can be considered a "duh" if we are honest. To regain balance we need to learn to say "no." We need to prune our time from trying to accomplish all things to setting true priorities - and then seeking to achieve these. It may mean we need to turn off the mind vacuum (television), it may mean we need to seek more simplicity, we need to expect the unexpected.

We often seek to attempt to much only to feel frustrated and a failure in our attempts. We need to develop a plan to not only do the right things, but to do the right things right. Don't compare yourself to someone else - Paul makes a good point about this in 2 Corinthians 10:12, where he states "For we don’t dare classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. But in measuring themselves by themselves and comparing themselves to themselves, they lack understanding." Do what you are capable of doing.

Finally, if you are a Type A personality [like me], train yourself to create buffer zones and free time in your life. Learn to smile, listen to others as they speak, stand in the longer line, and generally force yourself to make room for slowing down. Be sure to use this time to ponder and thank God. One thing I am learning is to relish the journey as well as the destination. Am I there - no. Am I still working on it - yes.

Today, muse over the points given for emotional, physical, and time restoration in your life. Attempt to develop one new habit. It will be hard, but in the long run being restored from burnout will be one of the greatest releases and refreshments you will ever know.




* Material used this week is from Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives. Published by NavPress:Colorado Springs CO. 1992



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