Nobody knows the implications of this economic storm we’re stumbling through. We all sense that these are transformational times and that transformation must begin with us. Rosanne Cash once shared, “The key to change…is to let go of fear.” The key to letting go of fear is to build trust. But in what or with whom? …How about God?
Scott Couchenour, a partner of mine in the CKN, recently shared these insights from Brennan Manning’s book, “The Signature of Jesus.” In it Manning defines two words – Absurdity and Obedience.
Absurdity comes from the Latin “surdis” (meaning deaf). Obedience comes from the Latin “ob audire” (meaning to listen to). There are huge implications here for transformation.
Our world, with all its shrill voices, deafens us to the voice of God who speaks to us in silence. Look at your calendar, your desk, and your lists. Most likely your days are overflowing with events, projects, and appointments — yet many of us remain unfulfilled, bored, lonely, and perhaps purposeless.
Are you…
Living an absurd lifestyle, packed with noisy activity and little direction?
OR
Living a life of daily obedience to God’s still small voice?
Your “30/12″ Challenge:
Carve out a 30-minute time frame. (early morning or late evening works best) - During your 30-minutes find a solitary place and sit alone quietly. As thoughts come to you, jot them down on a piece of paper, then go back to silence.
- Continue this for 12 days and see if it makes a difference in your life.
Ok…I’m going to accept Scott’s challenge. After twelve days I’ll let you know what I’ve learned. I’d love to hear and share your stories as well…you in?
That little figure in your post is sitting on Luke’s desk now if he just had more time to stare at it
. Love, J
Might I suggest powering OFF the cell phone and not just putting it on vibrate.
I’ve found that I get some of my best work done when I don’t have my Outlook open.
Some people would benefit by starting with the 12/30 plan: 12 seconds of complete stillness and silence for 30 days. Just a thought…….
Michael Trent
Ed – This may be harder for some than others. For the introvert who gets their energy from being alone, this exercise may come easy – but actually be overkill. For the person who is addicted to the adrenalin rush of activity, it will be more difficult, but they may see more positive impact.
Michael – good thought on the “12/30″ -although 12 seconds may be too long
. RE Outlook — the first thing I’d suggest to MS Outlook users is to disable the instant email notification feature. That notification “enhancement” is the greatest bane to focused work I know.
Michael,
Well, my cell phone battery just went dead so I have the rest of the day to try it. Regarding Outlook…well.
Scott,
Good thought regarding the instant email notification. Years ago I read a book called “The Time Trap” that suggests a simple 2 minute interruption to out concentration is really a 15-20 minute one. It takes that much time to get our mind again ramped up, focused, and working at the rate it was before the interruption.
Those short ones are killers!
Ed
Jenny,
Desire and discipline…two different things for sure.
Ed
OK, I’m in.
I’m just not sure whether I fall into the category of introvert or adrenalin junkie. Can you be both?
It’s the season of year here in South Florida where the back porch becomes irresistable again. I’ll commit to 30 minutes on the back porch by myself. Sounds easier than the 45 minutes of exercise I committed to…or is it? Now that will be interesting.
Marla – Good question. I think we each have the capacity to be both, depending on the circumstances, etc. The real question is, “Are you able to hear from God for direction?” AND “When you hear Him, are you in a place to respond?”
Hmmm, exercise versus back porch. Now that’s a tough one… good luck!
Marla – By the way, I visited your blog and read the post, “To Change Perspective, Change Your Place”. Great post! It augments the 30/12 challenge. It adds more meaning to the 30 minutes by suggesting a change of scenery.
Anyone following this string… here’s the post I’m referring to:
http://coffeeshopjournal.com/2008/10/26/to-change-your-persepctive-change-your-place/
Marla,
I’m enthused your in with me here and look forward to how it goes and how God speaks to you.
My first night I grabbed my journal and sat quietly listening for what seemed like forever. I finally glanced at the clock….it had been six…yes six…minutes! Yes, I’ve got work to do.
Thanks for joining!
Ed
Scott,
Thanks for sharing….love the insight!
Ed
Ed – Speaking to your comment about “The Time Trap” book (good book, by the way) and the 2 minute interruption = 15-20 minutes. The following is from the Serving Strong eNews archives RE the topic of “Making Time”…
The difference between “finding time” and “making time”: Finding Time implies we are at time’s mercy as it decides whether or not to come out of hiding. Making Time puts us in the driver’s seat as we grab it by the throat and make it work for us.
Given you are already clear on your God-given assignment, try this math (a couple assumptions to get us started):
Assumption #1 – you work 8 hours a day, 5 days per week – or 40 hours
Assumption #2 – you spend 10% of that 40 hours (48 minutes) engaged in “unproductive activity” such as Facebook creeping, processing unnecessary email, voicemail, junk mail, attending unneeded meetings, etc.
If you were to convert that 10% (or 48 minutes per day) into doing focused, productive work – here’s what would happen…
…48 minutes times 5 days = 240 minutes per week;
…240 minutes times 52 weeks = 12,480 minutes per year;
…12,480 min / 60 [minutes per hour] = 208 hours;
…208 hrs / 8 [hours in a work day] = 26 work days.
You can make time for an additional (26) 8-hour work days. That’s almost an entire month gained each year! If you suddenly created an additional month, what would you do with it?
I bet most of us could come up with at least 48 minutes in each work day spent on unproductive tasks…and perhaps more! The key? Setting boundaries and remaining focused.
[...] been working on that 30/12 challenge I posted about earlier, It has been very enlightening. You might want to try it! Here’s another insight that could bless your effort to connect with [...]
Trading 48 minutes a day for 26 days a year…that works!
What would I do….
– Time with my wife
– Travel to Italy
– Visit my daughter in Florida
– Time with the grandkids
– Volunteer for some of the innovative ministries we work with
– More quiet time
– Take time to thank those who have touched my life
– Develop that mentor program Tyrone challenged me with
But that logic in reverse reminds me the cost of a mocha latte a day is almost $1400 a year. Ouch…
Ed – So take these 3 steps:
1) Stop the lattes for a year
2) Save up the 26 days
3) Apply the $1400 to the trip to Italy
Boom baby!
Scott – Brilliant….absolutely brilliant. And, you’re not even the CEO.
Bill’s never come up with anything that creative! He’s the one who got me hooked on this Sbucks craving in the first place. Chai tea actually, but the same $1400 you know.
Time for a Cogun board meeting I’d say.
Behind every CEO is a….
What….umm….oh yea…..that’s it….a remarkable younger brother…yes I’ve lived that life too!
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