Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Sometimes, There Isn't Enough Time

During a Service of Installation, the old Conference Minister was giving a charge to his eager new associate.  I remember it as though it were yesterday--because I, too,was young and eager at that time.  I recoiled when I heard the old man say, "Remember, there will be times where there simply isn't time to do everything you think you need to do.  Sometimes, there just isn't time."

I thought to myself, "That's just an excuse.  There is always time for doing what we really need to do.  It is a matter of prioritizing well."  I did not like to hear that the young Associate Conference Minister, who had lots of energy and determination, would be unable to do everything.  I did not want to think about my own limitations either.  I remember telling congregants in my first parish that I always had time for doing what was important--I always had time for them no matter what the issue might be.  I always had time to try to do it all!  What a delusion that was!

Now, I see more clearly the wisdom in the old minister's words.  His associate burned out and was gone in a matter of a few years, after being too accessible, too eager, and too engaged.  I think the Conference Minister knew the inside story and was hoping against hope that his young colleague would take some wise counsel.  But alas, he did not.

Now, I see more clearly that not everything is urgent or even necessary.  Ministry is about navigating through a myriad of needs--including my own need to be needed and appreciated.  It is the reality of being mortal and making choices.  It is about trusting the community that surrounds us to be in ministry, too.  We do not have all the time in the world--just that which is given.  Stewardship is also about the gift of time, using our time wisely, and blessing God through its use.

It's late now.  It's time to stop for this day.  What has been done, this is in God's hands.  What has been left undone is secure in those same unseen hands.  What needs to be picked up again tomorrow . . . this will be clearer as a new day dawns.

A favorite Psalm brings perspective, assurance, and rest at the end of this day:

Unless the LORD builds the house,
     those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the LORD guards the city,
     the guard keeps watch in vain.
It is in vain that your rise up early and go late to rest,
           eating the bread of anxious toil;
     for God gives sleep to his beloved.

(Psalm 127:1-2, NRSV)