Holly Jolly Delegation

Mindfulness. We often hear the benefits of this practice, an effective way to improve our emotional and physical wellbeing.

Reversely, I’ve recently found myself immersed in the practice of mindlessness!

I paid for my coffee at a drive-thru window, and realized a few miles down the road that I never actually took the coffee. Yep, I just paid for it and then left.

Heading to a concert with my kids, I missed a critical exit on a toll road and our “estimated time of arrival” instantly went from 7 minutes to 44 minutes!

To make up for the ridiculous lateness to the concert, I showed up an entire week early for the next event on my social calendar. Oh, and I brought friends with me, so I had multiple witnesses to my idiocy.

Yikes.

Perhaps I’m feeling a bit scattered. Trying to keep too many balls in the air and they just keep landing on my head.

To maintain some balance, I continue to open my Bible. And I never cease to marvel at the help I find from words written thousands of years ago. I’ve been hanging out in the Old Testament, and a chapter in the book of Exodus seems to have my number, maybe it has yours too.

Leading the Israelites out of Egypt had become an exhausting assignment for Moses; his father-in-law, Jethro, noticed Moses was doing too much on his own. Jethro asserted, “This is not good! You’re going to wear yourself out – and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself” (Exodus 18:17). Jethro then advised Moses to start delegating, and he offered a logical plan of action.

Anyone else wishing Jethro could meet you at Starbucks to chat for a while?

With Christmas right around the corner (11 days if you’re wondering), it’s easy for our heads to start spinning. Attempting to cram way too much into an already busy life.

I’ve reluctantly started taking Jethro’s advice and it’s proving to be a winner! One example… rather than spending the better part of a day “decking the halls” of our house, I accepted that the time simply isn’t there this year. Instead, I spent one hour preparing the house and laying out our favorite Christmas items, and my very capable teenage daughter joyfully did the rest. She did a great job, and I was able to take a big project right off of my list. A step in the right direction.

We can easily get into the habit of trying to do it all. Unintentionally. Not even considering the options for delegation. When we let other people pitch in, they often benefit as much as we do. Embracing added responsibility. Learning a new skill. Accepting a challenge. Feeling trusted, needed.

Let’s all breathe deeply as we wrap up this year. Giving ourselves permission to let things go. Bidding farewell to mindlessness and over-extending. Awakening to the true reason for the season. The true reason for every season.

Wishing you and your families a wonderful Christmas!

Under His direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.      Ephesians 4:16