I just finished this great book by Bill Hybels. (Don't worry Hulia, it's being sent to Bklyn!). There were so many things about leadership that were caused me to want to give the man an "amen!". I spent most of the book nodding my head in agreement. I read this book in less than 2 days (it does help that my boss has been out of the office for that length of time and there is nothing for me to do....). It was a good & easy read. Although it could have offered some great "stop and journal" times too.
One section that really hit me follows. Hybels is talking about making sure that you are leading/work at a pace that is sustainable.
"The truth that we all have to accept is that the only person who can put a sustainability program together for us is US. Month after month for 15 years I was overscheduled and my life was out of control. Deep down I kept wondering, "why aren't the elders rescuing me? why aren't my friends rescuing me? don't people see I'm dying?"
Finally the voice of self-leadership whispered the truth in my ear: "It's your responsibility to devise a sustainability plan and stick to it everyday.""
Wow! These words are not just true for the pastor/leader, but so true for everyone who is setting out to do the will of God. We have to set a sustainable pace! We can't expect to be building our relationships if we are spent after a period of time. So in this time of flex and Way Open Schedule, I will begin to formulate my sustainability plan (don't worry, it's been in the works for a few months ;-)) because I can't return to unhealthy places I've been.
If anyone is already doing this (maybe you don't call it this), I'd love to hear what you do. Whether it's scheduled time of solitude or going to get a pedicure weekly or reading a "fun book" one weekend a month. Whatever - I'm open to hearing what works for you.
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