Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Careful Cutbacks

Instead of more housekeeping hints, I'm going to share something I read during my devotion this morning. Since I was encouraged, maybe you could be, as well."Trimming your staff is one of the hardest things you'll ever have to do as a leader. And strangely, one of the best." In order for a rose bush to produce one magnificent bloom, many other buds must be eliminated. This allows that one bud to draw a greater source of energy and nutrients. "A small force can often be more effective than a large one. Prune for productivity."

Because I work from home and have no staff, how does this apply to me? Please note that when you earnestly ask the Lord a question, He will provide an answer. He gently showed me that my "staff" could be interpreted as my activity. There are many things in my day which I allow to distract me from accomplishing the greater good of productivity (t.v., computer, Soduko). All of these activities can be right if the timing is right. For instance, right now the sun is shining brilliantly. And what am I doing? Yes, I'm on the computer. My time would be better served outside. There is no need to eliminate any of my activities, but simply to rearrange my day. This is only possible with His help because my own will can be quite overbearing at times. He always produces greater results than I. And since I don't like to learn the hard way, I have chosen to surrender all of my daily activities to Him.

I am anxious to see how He grows me through this process. If anyone would care to hold me accountable, I welcome that.

My current study is from the One Minute Bible series - Women in Leadership: Ninety Daily Devotions by Leading Christian Women, day 58. The yellow rose is for my mother (it's her favorite flower). Photo courtesy of Microsoft Clip Art.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great photos - and housekeeping tips lol

Love the yellow rose - summer will be here before we know it

Gill said...

Well put.
I agree with the Lord! Let's all do some pruning, and prioritize our lives for Pete's sakes.
Thank you for giving me the needed nudge to get upstairs and enjoy a good book!
xo

Petunia's Gardener said...

It shall be interesting to see where/what He sends you each day! What came to mind is this quote "Unusual travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God." Kurt Vonnegut

So when something unusual pops up in the day, do you feel God's hand in it? Me, I think He must say... "well, this one needs shoves!"