I am often asked how I get so much done. My husband also has the questioned asked of him. It is true that we are a couple who have a high capacity when it comes to ‘getting stuff done.’ You know the old phrase, “If you want something doing, ask a busy person?” We think it is true.

We also noticed that watching back to back episodes of THE WEST WING made us speak faster and become more productive!!

ECCLESIASTES 3:1 says ‘There is a time for everything.’ Does that always feel true to you? I know there are some days that feel too long and others way too short for me. I am so glad that God has time in His hands.

I read the following in my UCB notes today:
“Urgency is stressful. It’s also addictive, and if you find yourself habitually reacting to outside demands, you may be ‘hooked’. Like any addiction, urgency temporarily meets your need to feel needed. It creates a sense of ‘getting things done’, falsely enhances your self-esteem, yet tends to make problems worse because mostly ‘haste makes waste’.

If you’re hooked on urgency, here are two things to consider: 1) in today’s society busyness equals status. People expect you to be in demand. But while constantly abandoning your goals to help others accomplish theirs may make you feel appreciated, it can sidetrack you from your real purpose and create in you a false sense of importance. The Bible says, ‘God gives ability to all for their particular service’ (1Corinthians 12:6 GNT).

The lion’s share of your time should be spent doing what God called you to do, not fulfilling the demands and expectations of others. 2) identifying your response pattern can help set you free. Sometimes it’s hard to say no because as a Christian you feel obligated. But not every ‘need’ is a directive from God to jump in and meet it! Try to be discerning. Your decision to get involved should come from God, so before you react, pray for wisdom and guidance.

The Bible says, ‘In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths’ (Proverbs 3:6). If you’re a ‘fixer’ you probably enjoy solving problems, meeting needs, and influencing behaviour and outcomes. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. You just need to recognise you’re vulnerable to the urgent, and become more priority-minded.”

This really spoke to me. I am certainly a “fixer” and I love helping people come up with solutions. I am having to learn that I am not always the answer to the question people are asking or the situation they are struggling with. Who else is in their world? Who else is God at work in?

Learn with me again today to ask God before jumping right in.