Energy

After time, the second most important resource we have is energy. Where does our energy come from? It is generated by the food we eat; but efficient use of that energy depends on our physical and emotional well being. If we simply eat without training our body and mind to use and focus the energy properly, much of it is wasted or at least inaccessible. The really interesting thing about energy is that we have access to all of it at any time. So I can teach all day at 100% and play with my little boys at 100% for several hours in the evening (if I'm in shape). We don't need to 'save' 50% of our energy for when work is over, only working at 50% for those 8 hours. For this to work, we need activity that puts us in condition mentally and physically to access that energy AND we must decide to invest all our energy all day long in the people and activities of value to us.

There may be activities which involve very little or no energy - watching TV for example. Though I enjoy it once in a while, I realize that if it does not demand much energy, it is probably not worth my time either. Remember that mental energy - conversation, problem solving, critical thinking, analysis - is just as valuable as physical energy. But we need to train ourselves daily in both areas because our tendency is always toward laziness. I don't have any studies to support my ideas here, sorry. If someone has data which supports or refutes me, I would love to hear it. I guess I will have to invest more time and energy here - when I have some to invest...

A walk in the garden

Time is definitely the hardest thing to manage because no mater how many times I try to reorganize my time, it actually changes very little. There are always demands on our time that seem impossible to minimize no matter how little value we place on them. And in talking to retired people, they seem to be much busier now than when they had a job. Some of this is a matter of perspective.

For example, there is a saying in Kenya that goes, "Africans have time but no watches. Americans have watches but no time." Our culture is constantly aware of the present. Technology has augmented this with a constant supply of information - GPS location, stock quotes on our smart phone, FaceBook status updates, and the list is endless. History is only alive if it was after the last election. Even last year's memories fade faster than ever as we fly from one adventure, to another business deal, to the next text message and virtual meeting. And the 3 elements of time that force our constant attention are precision, coordination and pressure. . . . STOP! . . . I think I hear Someone calling my name. He called to Adam and Eve in the Garden, "Where are you?" Do you ever wonder what they talked about on their evening walks? Can you even imagine? After a busy day of naming animals, playing in the stream and eating the freshest, most delicious fruit, they meet with God for a walk. Do they discuss Quantum Physics and internal medicine or just chat about the glorious changing colors as the sun fades behind the hills?

I think the answer to our time dilemma is the One asking that question, "Where are you?" I think His presence is the only thing that gives meaning to our existence and value to our time. The only real purpose for time is to understand the weight of His glory, the power of His love, the uniqueness of His holiness in the joy of His presence. Psalm 32 gives us a glimpse of how to get back to the enjoyment of His presence. Verses 1-5 are a recognition of our sorry condition. We must turn from our sin and our slavery to time or our body will waste away! Verses 6-7 contrast the flood of waters where there is no salvation to the hiding place found in the Person who surrounds us with songs of deliverance. Verse 8 is a steady walk, a purposeful walk under the counsel of His eye, not a bridle or whip. This is the walk of one who responds to the slightest movement, even the mood of the Guide. Verses 10-11 is a life filled with worship. The groaning, loneliness and silence is gone and the joy of communion and community is pervasive. We are walking again in the Garden in the cool of the evening.