Archive for November 2010
How did I get into this mess?
I’m not entirely sure how it happened but I’ve found myself chairing two different University committees at Wayland as well as chairing the Budget Study Committee at First Baptist Church. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m all for committees. I’m perfectly happy to serve on one, maybe two, without much complaining at all. But all this is really starting to wear me down.
I’d prefer not to complain too much, especially in a forum where many folks could come and read. However, I’ve got to say it out loud to remind myself that there is such a thing as “too many irons in the fire”.
Being raised in a small town, going to school in a small district, I was able to get away with doing just about every activity available in the school plus a few things in the community and church. I remember being told by numerous people that I could choose to be mediocre at a lot of things or great at a few things. I didn’t accept that and I made every attempt to do everything, from band to golf to academics to UIL competitions in math, speech, debate, science, journalism, etc. You name it, I’m pretty sure I tried it. (Ok, there was no ag or 4-H, but I didn’t own any boots or country music, so I get a pass on that one).
That philosophy set a precedent that has finally started to plague me as an adult. The mindset that developed tells me that if I see a project that either I’m interested in or someone asks me to participate in or lead, I only ask one question, “Am I able to do it?” If I can envision the work and mentally develop a strategy to accomplish the goals, I tend to say yes.
People tell me I need to learn to say no. Truth is, I say no plenty of times, but I say no when I believe I’m not the right person for the job. That is to say, I’m not capable to doing the job as it should be done.
In addition to weighing my capabilities as a function of only my strengths, I need to weigh them as also a function of my time and priorities. I’m notoriously bad at estimating the amount of time needed to accomplish my tasks, but I am also notoriously consistent. I always estimate a much shorter time than is actually needed.
Fortunately for me, one of the committees is nearing the completion of its duties. And while, all of this may sound like I’m really down on myself, things are actually looking up. Three days ago, I didn’t know what was causing the severe funk I was in. Being able to identify it and focus in on my real priorities, I’m able to relax into the loving arms of an all-knowing, all-loving God whose plans for me never fail.
No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it. I Corinthians 10:30 (THE MESSAGE)
Pinewood Derby Races
This past Saturday was the annual Royal Ambassador’s (RA) Pinewood Derby races in Lubbock. Timothy competed with the car he worked on with his Grandaddy. Last year, with minimal effort we managed to win 1 race and lose the next two. Thanks to the ingenuity of Lori’s Dad and Timothy’s well executed racing style, we won 5 in row putting us into the sweet sixteen and then the final four. Though they didn’t award a 4th place, we’ve decided that’s where we must have finished.
The rest of the FBC Plainview team performed very well with a couple from our church finishing 2nd and 3rd in the Lad’s division and another one finishing second in the Crusader’s. I also learned that there is an adult division, so I may have to let Joel build his own and I’ll race it for him. 
Here’s a few pics from Saturday. Way to go, Timo!
