Do we worry too much at work?

We are having a great year and we have a number of large projects pending that can positively change the lives of thousands of people.  I think about these opportunities a lot.  You might call it worry.

I am involved with a small group of men in a spiritual transformation group, led by Father Thomas of the St. Columba Church and Retreat House in Inverness, California.  Last week when we met Father Thomas encouraged us to occasionally open our Bible randomly to read a passage of Scripture that comes to us first.  It is typically only a few verses.  His premise is this gives the Lord an opportunity to speak to us through that passage.  It’s an interesting exercise and not as random as fortune telling.  One reason is the Bible does speak to our lives, whether as a person of faith or a casual reader.  It is a book of historical stories that provide a perspective on how to live life.

I have three places where I have inserted notes or prayer lists in my Bible.  Yesterday morning I opened my Bible intending to open it to one of the places with notes.  Usually I do this with no problem, however, yesterday I was surprised to open my Bible to a passage on worry (Matthew 6:25-34).  Being reminded of Father Thomas’ encouragement rather than turn the pages to where I had originally intended to go, I read and Reflected on that passage.  I have been worrying a bit because I am so passionate about the projects we have pending.  And of course, as a parent, I can feel a burden for my kids and other family members who are facing some of life’s challenges.

It was a good time of study and Reflection.  Then I went on in my day.

At 9:52 a.m. I received an email from a good friend of mine, Carl Lundgren (sent from HomeWord).  I’ve heard this message before from a secular study.  See most of Carl’s email below.

Lessons from Brother Jeremiah

Author: Jim Burns, Ph.D.

Parents, one of the greatest legacies you can leave your children is the gift of knowing how to keep life in perspective - become time goes by so fast!  Brother Jeremiah provides us with some thoughts that can help us maintain the life perspective we all need!

As a family read the short story below and then discuss your feelings about what author learned from his experience

Brother Jeremiah was at the end of his life when he reflected on his many years of Christian service and wrote:

If I had my life to live over again, I’d try to make more mistakes next time. I would relax. I would limber up. I would be sillier than I have been this trip. I know of very few things I would take seriously. I would take more trips. I would climb more mountains, swim more rivers, and watch more sunsets. I would do more walking and looking. I would eat more ice cream and less beans. I would have more actual troubles and fewer imaginary ones. 

You see, I am one of those people who live prophylactically and sensibly and sanely, hour after hour, day after day. Oh, I’ve had my moments and if I had it to do over again, I’d have more of them. In fact, I’d try to have nothing else. Just moments, one after another, instead of living so many years ahead each day. I have been one of those people who never go anywhere without a thermometer, aspirin, and a parachute. If I had it to do over again, I would go places, do things, and travel lighter than I have. 

If I had my life to live over, I would start barefooted earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would play more. I would ride on more merry-go-rounds. I’d pick more daises. 

How does your family rate? (Have each family member answer these questions and then discuss the answers.)

1. Does our family have enough play time?
2. If I were to die today I would look back and say “I wish our family would have ________________ more.”
3. What regrets might you have years from now about how your family spends its time? As a family make a plan so that there are no regrets in the years to come.

Is this a coincidence?  I doubt it, but you are welcome to have your own opinion.  I encourage you to Reflect on whether you are worrying too much in your life.  To demonstrate true leadership, maybe there are some adjustments to make.  Maybe we can help you leverage the Success With People system to manage your time better.

Don’t worry… be happy (as the old song goes).  Have a GREAT day!