Sunday, March 6, 2011

Busyness.....

The first time I've not posted immediately after class.  It's now Sunday, I just got back from church and I feel the need to capture some of the past couple of weeks before we head into class tomorrow.  So, the normal format for this post will not be used....just some random thoughts.
Busyness
According to Webster's Dictionary, busyness is:
1: a : engaged in action : occupied b : being in use <found the telephone busy>
2: full of activity : bustling <a busy seaport>
3: foolishly or intrusively active : meddling
4: full of distracting detail <a busy design>
(http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/busyness)
 
As I look back at the last post, I'm reminded of my struggle with margin and am putting that in the perspective of busyness.  See those definitions above?  Definition 1 is good, "engaged in action.....being of use".  Sounds good.  "Full of activity" - not bad.  But unfortunately, the past couple of weeks have felt more like 3 and 4, "foolishly active" and "full of distracting detail."  Sounds harsh and I know this blog (for all 3 of you reading it) is just one man trying to be transparent on his journey.....so keep in mind this journey is not just homework, class time, class prep....this journey is life.  So, you get to read the good and the struggles as I've committed to be transparent in my writings.
My accountability partner has asked me and prayed for me that I would be more discerning about adding margin back into my routine.  I so appreciate his prodding!!
After last week's classes, I came home and went straight to bed because I had to leave for Dallas the next morning.  I spent the week in Dallas working, in meetings, visiting our printer in Ft Worth and found myself completely exhausted each evening, by the time I got back to my condo.  I had high hopes of catching up on some school projects and I actually did, but not until Thursday night.  I got back to Austin on Friday afternoon and spent the evening with my wife, Ant, (Antoinette, but we all call her Ant).....no work, no school.....ahhhhh, margin.
I worked most of the day on Saturday writing my paper for Marketing and then went dinner with Ant.  After dinner we went to Barnes and Noble where I sat with a book in their coffee shop and actually ended up watching this elderly gentleman in a wheelchair enjoying his coffee and a cookie.  As I watched him, I began wondering what his life's journey had been.  Did he enjoy the journey?  Did he travel?  Did he have family?  What did he invest his life into?  As he sat there struggling to get the cup of coffee to his lips just to take a sip, I wanted to go over and sit at his table and ask that he share with me his story.  But I didn't, regretfully.  Within a couple of minutes, his son came over to check on him, they chatted a few minutes and then they left.  I probably don't do this justice in conveying my profound moment, but in those moments of observation I gained some perspective.  MARGIN
I prayed last night for direction or at least discernment on what to do with all these thoughts running circles in my head.  Ant and I went to the early service at our church this morning and I felt like the past couple of weeks had prepared me to hear this particular message.  SABBATH.  The whole message was on priorities, perspective on ownership, and rest.  While the message was challenging, its timing was perfect and just what I needed to hear. So, that's all good, but what am I going to do with it?  Stay tuned.....
 

6 comments:

  1. John- it feels like we are all feeling the same. Challenged- yes, busy- beyond measure! But I do hope the journey is great for you! I am enjoying my journey, but hope that my busyness doesn't get in the way of life. Thank you for being transparent. We will all share the good, the bad and the ugly.

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  2. Yep, John it looks like we all have a very similar issue right now. Thanks for sharing. I hope you get a chance to enjoy the week off from school next week.

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  3. Thanks Christine and yes, the journey has been stretching and GREAT. I wouldn't want it any other way. It's just helping to flesh out issues that may have stayed below the surface had I not been under this much busyness.

    David...thank you, I'll be taking a few days off to get out of town with Ant. I hope you enjoy your time as well!

    Praying for you both!

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  4. John first off I am very glad that you are pursuing your MBA and I see that timing may be a little problem for you...but if you figure out how to manage it things will work out for the better. Not to sound that I am bragging BUT while in the Army my hours were usually 0500 to about 2200 hrs thats five in the morning to ten at night for you civilians, that wasn't always the case but I have had some rough times. On top of that I was a single Mother of two so my job didn't stop when I got off from work it kept going until my little ones were in bed and prepared for the next day. I did all of this while studying for military boards, completing my BA and later my MBA. Time was never on my side so I made sure it got there....I scheduled everything right down from getting up in the morning until I hit my head on the pillow....I had to make time work for me instead of the other way around. It is only hard if you make it hard and that is what got me through it all. I hope everything works out for you John, It will be a great feeling when you have completed your degree...Best of luck.

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  5. Betty....you are the exception and I have so much respect for what you've done!! I appreciate you taking the time to read and respond. The good news is that things have already started turning the corner for the better. I have a couple more week of very hectic schedules, but it's manageable. Thanks again Betty!!

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  6. nice post-it note face!

    School is very consuming. I think that is why we look at others relaxing in coffee shops or other activities and question: How do they find the time to relax?

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