I learned a lesson recently while driving to work. Light snow fell as I turned onto the church drive, my first meeting set to begin in less than a minute. My mind raced to plan the most strategic place to park, and so did my speed. At the start of a big curve near the bottom of a hill, slush covered the road. When I hit that point, the car began to slide. I turned the steering wheel to the left, which straightened me briefly, but then the car slid right because I had over-corrected. After five quick turns to avoid going out of control, the ordeal ended.

Moments later I pulled into a parking spot and noticed my hand shaking as I turned the engine off. "No meeting is worth this," I thought. As I walked into the building, I replayed the incident in my mind. Although I'd like to believe that the salt truck should have done a better job, that my tires should have gripped better, and that too much coffee caused me to over-steer, I knew what must happen to avoid a repeat. I have to think ahead and slow down when needed. And that's a valuable lesson for someone in ministry.

Maybe this pace will seem familiar to you. At the turn of a new season, I realize that I need to get going on important tasks, so I accelerate my work pace. For a while, all's fine. But then when I hit a curve, and curves will come, I pay for not thinking ahead. A problem hits that makes me skid one way, I make a quick correction that causes another issue that makes me skid another way, and when it's all over I'm lucky to keep control. Let's get specific.

I have a major project due June 15. That seems like a long way off in March, so I'm tempted to ignore it. But if I do, then in mid-May when I'm forced to deal with the deadline, my life will skid and I'll have to correct for it by working non-stop. That will cause my family to slide, so I'll alter my schedule to spend time at home. That will mean opportunities to exercise will stop, resulting in perpetual fatigue.

Sound crazy? You give it a try. Priorities scream for your attention now, so why think about volunteer needs for the summer? Come mid-spring, your wheels will start to slide. Remember how far off Easter seemed before Christmas? Hope your holding the steering wheel tight. Too rushed for personal, intimate time with God every day—the kind that requires your full participation rather than a quick, occasional prayer? Call ahead now for a tow truck.

On a slick road I learned that the drive to thrive in ministry this year begins with making little adjustments now that will help me negotiate the turns I'll face in the coming months. And if that requires me to not accelerate so hard now, then so be it. I encourage you to do the same so that you have an incredible year—in ministry, family, and your walk with God. Leave the ditch for someone else.

Copyright © 2006 Promiseland.

Read more from 'Encouraging Words'

Words Kids Need to Hear To Help Them Be Who God Made Them to Be by David Staal If you could choose just seven statements to share with children, what would they be? Each chapter in this compelling book focuses on a single statement elementary-age kids need to hear from parents, children's workers, and other close adults. These seven statements are simple to share, yet guaranteed to profoundly impact children. They are: I believe in you. You can count on me. I treasure you. I'm sorry, please forgive me. Because. No. I love you. will educate, equip, and motivate parents and children's ministry teams to carefully choose words that building up kids' hearts, to say them frequently, and to do so in creative ways. What children hear from trusted adults significantly influences their self-image, their current relationships, and future relationships—including that all-important relationship with God.