What Makes Us Different...

It occurs to me that embedded in the concept of having it all is a very personal, unique sense of priorities, dreams and interests. My all will inevitably look very different than your all. At the end of the day, the very things that make us different are the things that bring color to life. A world without variety would be a world void of excitement, newness and intrigue. I don't know about you, but when I think of the mosaic our loving God has assembled around us, I feel more engaged in the mystery of this life than ever. We usually think of this variety in the context of creation...either the canvas of our physical world or the intricate make-up of each life...so unique, so special. I might contend that we haven't spent enough time applying this same sense of awe and wonder to our work. After all, it's just that...work.

Back to the question...Can I have it all? The easy, most obvious answer is, "No...you can't have it all." The very thought that any one person could accomplish such an overreaching, limitless objective is absurd. And to the one that sets out on this journey, most of us would say, "good luck...hope you're not easily disappointed." Generally speaking, I would certainly echo those sentiments. Might I suggest, however, that there may be a way...a rather simple approach, in fact...to achieve this ambitious aim?

Ronald Blue is a wonderful, godly man for whom I worked years ago. He is one of the pioneers of what is referred to as Biblical financial planning. He worked to develop an approach to managing money using God's Word as his guide...and he has changed countless lives. Ron laid the groundwork for men like Dave Ramsey with a simple philosophy that started with a simple question..."How much is enough." He offered other weighty insights, such as, "spend less than you make for a long time" and "avoid the use of debt." The principles seem simple, but are remarkably profound. Take, for example, the answer given by business guru, Warren Buffett, when asked the "how much..." question. His answer was simple, also, and quite telling..."Just a little more." Shooting at a moving target is hard enough...flying blind is straight-up dangerous. And trying to satisfy an unquenchable thirst...such as Mr. Buffett's apparent financial aspirations...may well lead to a life full, yet unfulfilled...occasional victories, but overall defeat. It seems so simple, but if we take Mr. Blue's advice, do we not dramatically increase our chances of achieving our goal?

If you agree that this obvious truth applies to an area of life as sensitive as finances, could it not also be applied as one seeks to have impact and influence in and through their career? Have you taken the time to pray through what God is calling you to in your work? Have you considered the place your career will play in your priorities and dreams? If not, do you not stand to wonder aimlessly through your week battling distractions, fumbling priorities and missing the mark?

May I, then, encourage you to think seriously about your work, like I hope you do about your finances? It might help you know, for example, when to say no to a promotion or yes to a cross-country move with a start-up. While God calls all of us to be "salt in light," He calls us to a wide variety of roles by which to accomplish this eternal objective. These different roles...born of our personalities, gifts, skill sets, vocational calling...are one more example of the mysteriously artistic nature of our Heavenly Father. So, how much is enough? If you know what your all is...bathed in prayer and humility before Christ...He may just allow you to have it!