Recently I was going through some old papers and came across this, penciled on a Day-Timer sheet dated April 13, 2002.
"I really don't know a lot about prayer (though I'm determined to know more). However, I've noticed a few things too obvious to miss. For example, my most productive days are those that begin very early with a season of prayer. With my "to-do" list usually far exceeding the time available, I may be reluctant to spend the time. However, the longer I pray the shorter the list becomes. That may look like a misprint and yet I think it reflects something of God's economy -- in this case the economy of effort. First of all, there are things on my list that need to be done but not today. Few things in life are less productive than doing the right thing at the wrong time. Then there are the urgent matters that need attention but could be better done by someone else. During my twenty-five years in human resources administration I was continually amazed at the capacity of ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things -- given the right opportunity and encouragement. Finally, there are the things on my list which really don't need to be done at all. When measured by the yardstick of eternity they will never be missed."
I would add one more sentence: "having made these adjustments, the remaining tasks would make for a challenging, productive, and blessed day."
"I really don't know a lot about prayer (though I'm determined to know more). However, I've noticed a few things too obvious to miss. For example, my most productive days are those that begin very early with a season of prayer. With my "to-do" list usually far exceeding the time available, I may be reluctant to spend the time. However, the longer I pray the shorter the list becomes. That may look like a misprint and yet I think it reflects something of God's economy -- in this case the economy of effort. First of all, there are things on my list that need to be done but not today. Few things in life are less productive than doing the right thing at the wrong time. Then there are the urgent matters that need attention but could be better done by someone else. During my twenty-five years in human resources administration I was continually amazed at the capacity of ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things -- given the right opportunity and encouragement. Finally, there are the things on my list which really don't need to be done at all. When measured by the yardstick of eternity they will never be missed."
I would add one more sentence: "having made these adjustments, the remaining tasks would make for a challenging, productive, and blessed day."