How would you describe yourself? As a project person? Or as a people person? Although we’re all a combination of both of these, I’d have to say I tip the scale in the direction of projects. I like the feeling I get when I’m able to cross tasks off my to-do list.
Last weekend began with a full agenda. My husband Steve was out of town on Saturday, and I had naively lined up a weeks’ worth of chores – hoping to finish all of them in one day. Talk about setting myself up for failure. Am I the only one who does this?
By mid-afternoon I made a disappointing discovery: I wasn’t going to finish all the items on my list. I wouldn’t even come close. Time to think about what was most important.
Leave a legacy: A valuable lesson
We would be celebrating our daughter’s 21st birthday the next day. Did it really matter if the house was spotless? In five years would I really remember if the house was clean for her big day? No. But I would remember planning a special celebration for Riley, and spending time with our family.
I made a decision. Cleaning could wait. I was going to focus on Riley and making this birthday one she’d always remember. We had a wonderful celebration the next day, and I was reminded of a valuable lesson:
We were created for relationships – it’s much more important to invest in people than in things.
People trump projects every time
Jesus was the ultimate example of this principle. He wasn’t concerned about the material side of life. He was interested in impacting people. (Tweet this) Although Jesus often preached to the masses, the majority of His time was spent pouring His life into twelve men – His disciples. And He’s given us a similar directive:
And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 2 Timothy 2:2
His focus was always people. His heart of compassion is clearly seen:
And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things. Mark 6:34
Although maintaining our homes and things is important, investing in the lives of people should be our top priority.
Your turn
How are you investing your time? What step will you take to impact the lives of others?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for reminding me to focus on people instead of things. Forgive me when I get this truth out of balance. You’ve given me the privilege to be an ambassador for You (2 Corinthians 5:20) – help me invest in the lives of others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
