"20"

What's your 20? 

I'm a numbers guy, and yes 20 is a number.  But "20" is much more than that to me. 

My brother-in-law has been hitting his workouts hard the last year and a half and as a result of his effort has made it up a local hike in 20 minutes.  Take my word for it when I say this is a very fast time.  Currently I can make it to the top in 29 minutes when I push it.  I could make a lot of excuses why it takes me that much longer but I won't waste our collective time doing so.   

Recently we have been hiking together in the morning since this hike happens to be on my way to work and convenient for an early morning work out.  The first day I only made it two thirds up the trail when he passed me on his way back down.  I chose to turn around and follow him down.  Finishing my climb well short of the summit. 

I like summiting so turning around early did not sit well with me.  I didn't want to do this a second time.  So on day two I got to the trail a few minutes ahead of him and started up early in an effort to beat him to the top.  I barely made it as he was quickly coming up behind me and while still trying to catch my breath we headed back down to the car.  His down hill pace equally daunting.  The experience was more than enough motivation to get me in gear.

So you ask what 20 is?  It's simply a goal.  Written on my white board that sits behind my desk at the office.  I have nine minutes to shave off my time and I am working towards that end.  Goals help me get somewhere.  For me I find writing them down where I can see them helps me to remain focused and remember my commitment to myself.  Going public helps me stay accountable.  Having a pace car like my brother-in-law helps too.  Reminds me it's achievable and the quicker pace keeps pulling me towards the prize. 

Ultimately, whether I accomplish it or not is besides the point.  I have something to aim for.  It's the discipline in the pursuit that makes all the difference. 

So what's your "20"?       

Time...well spent

In the end TIME is all we have.

 

How we spend it is all that matters.

 

Spend WISELY.

 

 

"Got Margin"?

Good things happen in the margin.  "Got Margin"? 

There are only 24 hours in a day and you have to sleep.  Not sleeping is not sustainable.

24 Hours.

Sleep - 7?  17 left.  Getting ready for work/time with family 30 minutes.  16.5.  Drive time  1 - 1.5 daily 15.  Work 8... more like 9+?  6 left.  Dinner with family 1.  5. 

Got kids?  Homework assistance 1, 4.  Soccer practice, track, football, etc.  1 - 2?  3 or less.  Workout or exercise, reading, hobbies, or other (T.V.?) 1 or more? 2 to go. 

Involved in anything else?  Volunteering, serving, planning, Board Member, continuing education, personal/career development, other?  0 or less.  Out of time!

Wait....  But what about time in God's word.  Prayer time.  Time with my wife.  Time with my kids.  Neighborhood group/T Group.  Time with friends, family...  Negative what now?

Where's the margin in that?  The answer.  There isn't any.  Prioritize. 

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."  Mt. 6:33   

24 Hours.  Sleep.  Time in God's word.  Prayer time.  "God, help me to create margin in my life."

Good things happen in the margin.  "Get God"  "Get Margin"



     

A Burden Lifted

Oh dear dad  Can you see me now
I am myself  Like you somehow
I'll wait up in the dark  For you to speak to me
I'll open up  Release me…

"Release", Pearl Jam

 

I love to hike.  I don’t care much when, where, or who I am with.  It’s all good.  While I love skiing, mountain biking and other outdoor activities, there is something about hiking in particular that I seem to enjoy the most.  I feel close to God when I am out on the trail.

I hike for different reasons.  This morning the purpose was simply to push myself physically and better my time – pure cardio.  I stumbled back to the car breathing heavily, for the moment completely spent, heart pounding, legs aching, sweating in the late morning heat.  I had shaved a minute off my time – mission accomplished. 

But other times it’s for other reasons.  To explore a new trail, hike with friends, family, better my distance record.  Rim to rim to rim. 

Depending on the hike, roles change as well.  Sometimes leading, sometimes a Sherpa.  I don’t mind carrying things.  If the pack weighs enough it increases the work out.  Carrying other’s things is fine.  I am happy to serve.

Carrying some things is fine.  But some burdens are not meant to carry.  I carry some burdens I am not meant to - still. 

From time to time I carry the remorse from past failings.  Regrets from things I did or didn’t do.  Guilt and shame.  A result of the things I have done and the harm I have caused.  I have made a lot of mistakes.  People have gotten hurt.  I carry things.  The burdens are heavy.  Exhausting.

We are not meant to carry them.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentile and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  Mt 11:28-30

As we remember the resurrection of Christ this Easter, I hope that you take an opportunity to release the burdens you may be carrying.  They were never meant for your shoulders.  Put them at the foot of the cross.  Wait up in the dark and speak to Him. 

Release them, and experience the lightness of His yoke.