There is another thermostat across the room (for some reason I took a picture of that also). Two separate systems that, if activated together, could battle each other to see which one could waste more energy and accomplish nothing.
A small inner voice seemed to whisper to me, "Haven't you done the same thing?" It's funny how hard we work to "provide for our family" while at the exact same time denying them the real provision they need: our time and attention. I was so convicted by that little control panel that I snapped a picture and decided to blog a reminder.Don't get me wrong, I'm all about focused intensity for short periods of time. One of Dave Ramsey's 7 baby steps is to get your debt snowball rolling and go after it. Corinne and I paid off a boat load of debt doing exactly that, but the key is focused intensity over a relatively short period of time (generally two years or less). Now I'm not going to go on and on about having "balance" in life, because, well, that's kind of a joke. We all do what we have to do to get things done. The important thing, I think, is to keep in mind the why. Why are we working so hard? Why do we choose to spend time doing the things we're doing?
Are we really living life on purpose?
Ensure your why makes sense and you're not working against yourself. If you build the business you've always dreamed of in the name of "providing for your family" only to find yourself divorced with kids who hate you then you've basically been running the A/C and the heat at the same time. All you'll have to show for it is the bill.
This idea is not only important for your family but also for your company. You have to start with the why and make sure everything else lines up. Simon Sinek has an excellent Ted Talk on starting with why that you should really watch.
What do you think? In what ways are you running the A/C and the heater at the same time?
5 comments:
Thought this was going to be a commentary on the weird weather right now :) We've been switching the AC and Heat back and forth daily. I think God is getting a good chuckle from it...
Great serious message, though. I saw what you're talking about recently in a couple that I'm coaching on their finances. They have been giving abundantly to friends and family, but inadvertently putting themselves in a poor situation.
Thanks for commenting, Joe!
That's an excellent example. I seem to tell people all the time, "Take care of your own house first or the Bible says you're worse than an unbeliever." (1 Timothy 5:8) Having raised my own support for 6 years, I know how important giving is, but it has to be done with long-term purpose, not just to make us "feel good."
Ahh... fail. Sorry Josh, I got you confused with a Joe of (almost) the same last name who works for Dave Ramsey.
Excellent thoughts Luke!
I am going to chew on this awhile since it is one of those "meaty" topics that God presents us every so often. I love the "simple" question but "meaty" pretext to your question!
Thanks Hebrews12v2! Posts like this are a reminder to me. As I go through my day, I think about what I've put out there and it helps me make better decisions.
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