A "Terrible Idea"
Theme of the Week: What Is Your Treasure?
Thursday, October 2, 2008
 1 of 1
Key Bible Verse: Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom (Psalm 90:12). Bonus Reading: Psalm 39:4-7
One afternoon I asked my wife, Sandra, "What schedule change would you most like for me to make?"
She didn't hesitate. She looked right at me and said, "I'd love for you to be home by four o'clock every afternoon." The hours of 4 to 6, she informed me, were the most difficult of her day. At the time we had two preschoolers and a third child on the way. By 4:30, she had given all she had to give. When I stumbled through the door at 5:30 or 6:00, she was running on fumes.
My chat with Sandra took place one month after I'd agreed to help pioneer what eventually became North Point Community Church. If you've ever started anything, you know that start-ups require limitless time, attention, and energy. Our staff was lean and, at that point in the life cycle of an organization, you need 100 percent from everybody—especially the leader. So leaving the office that early seemed like a terrible idea.
But Sandra and I discussed our schedules and took an honest look at where we were as a family. If I was committed to making her and the kids feel like my priority, it became clear, I'd have to limit my time at work to 45 hours a week. [continued 10/3]
—Andy Stanley in Choosing to Cheat
My Response: Why is moving beyond vague good intentions so scary?
Thought to Apply: If you don't change your direction, you're likely to end up where you're headed. —Chinese proverb
Adapted from Choosing to Cheat (Nelson, 2002) by permission.
Copyright © 2008 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
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Show me, Lord, how to elbow this world's treasures aside with the treasures of Your kingdom.
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