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Dear friends,
Everyone needs time to get away and think.
... but it’s tempting to think it’s a waste of time. I have so much to do! Who has the time to do that?
Some years ago I stumbled across an equation from Mark Batterson: Change of pace + change of place = change of perspective.
This is why it's helpful—both personally and professionally—to find opportunities to change your scenery. It’s why Bill Gates participates in annual Think Weeks and Steve Jobs developed his most creative thoughts while taking walks. It’s also why our best ideas happen when we’re in the shower.
One of our congregants at OBC is a successful professional whose input I deeply value. She shared with me that one of the most important habits in her work life is stepping away from the "office" and going outside. There, she can reflect and starts to see with a big-picture perspective. She told me that this habit—without fail—has led to greater clarity and a healthier outlook.
I have two places where I am most able to think in this way:
(1) I like to go to the mall, where I'll walk around somewhat aimlessly for 45 minutes to an hour.
(2) I go to the gym, where I workout five times a week.
Without exception, these changes of scenery elicit some new creative idea, offer insight into a problem I'm facing, or lead me to pray for someone in need. While I'm not technically "working," I'm often my most productive in these scenarios.
Growing up, we always heard: Don’t just sit there – do something. But our Savior often left the crowd, spent time in prayer and meditation with His Father, and simply rested in the presence of God.
So, may I offer you a faithful alternative? Don’t just do something – sit there.
Resting in the presence of God,
bp
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