What good is it for a man to
gain the whole world,
yet forfeit his soul? Mark 8:36
I tend to be an idea generator. I have great ideas (at least they sound good to me). I make a list that is so big, I don’t know where to start. Of course, I know in my head that it would be impossible to do them all, but narrowing it down to what is best and most necessary is my struggle.
When I choose one thing, I feel like I should be doing something else instead. Doubt, uncertainty and guilt paralyze me from doing anything.
I want to make a difference. But doing more will take energy and time I do not have.
Even without my own list of possibilities, the smorgasbord of opportunities in our culture from which to choose to involve myself and the voices that urge me to do so, imply that if I want to make a difference, I have to do more.
Political activities. Church programs. School functions. Charities.
Each of these things are in and of themselves good.
Seasons in our life necessitate doing more.
But I am easily overwhelmed with choices and become so entangled in busy-ness that I get lost in an endless to-do list controlling my life.
I think it is time to re-invent my idea of making a difference.
Instead of diversification, I need simplification.
1. Make less noise. When I get quiet, I can hear better -what the true needs are around me.
2. Focus on one thing. When I focus on a single point on the horizon, my vision is more clear and strong. I can see what needs to be done.
3. Make my circle smaller. When I limit with whom and where I share my time with (I’m talking the fluff stuff here), there is more of me left to make a difference with. I have the energy to take care of the real needs around me.
In the end, I will have more understanding, vision, and strength. I can make a greater impact with my efforts. By doing less, I can make more of a difference.
What do you think?
Is it possible in our activity crazy world to simplify?
Do you think it is best to simplify in order to make more of a difference?
How can you do less in order to do more?
