A Prodigy, A Mother, and a Saint
Rachel was a prodigy. She was young, barely in her twenties, and yet her reputation as a concert violinist was spreading around the world. Orchestras contacted her, colleges courted her, and musicians applauded her.
Prior to her debut at Carnegie Hall, an interviewer asked her what was the secret to her astounding success. Rachel looked him squarely in the eyes and declared, “Planned neglect. Planned neglect is the secret to my ability to play the violin both with ease and with excellence.”
She continued, “I used to eat a leisurely breakfast, straighten my room and scroll social media. I formerly texted my friends and made a few phone calls before I practiced my instrument. This was my life until I realized that I was not progressing as I should or as I desired.”
Rachel explained that she began to reverse the order of her day. Until her daily practice was complete, thorough and intentional, she deliberately neglected everything else.
“This program of planned neglect, I believe, accounts for whatever success I have achieved on my beloved violin,” were the words with which Rachel closed her interview.
The reason that most major goals are not accomplished in life is that we spend our lives doing second things first.
May I tell you one more story that applies to this intentional way of living?
Two mothers were in the grocery line one day. One mother’s children were out of control; they were crying, fighting, grabbing and whining. The children of the second mother were pleasantly talking, quietly laughing and even being helpful.
The first mother tiredly remarked, “I would give my life for children who behaved like that.
“I have,” the second mother quietly replied.
A leader sacrifices the temporary in order to gain the eternal. A discerning leader knows the vast difference between the demanding voice of the urgent and the whispered invitation of the noble.
The question of leadership is not, “Will my calendar be full?” Instead, the more pertinent question is, “With what will I fill my calendar?”
The beloved theologian, St. Francis of Assisi, who lived over 800 years ago, humbly offered advice that is likely more relevant today than it was then, “Do few things but do them well.”
Scripture: “But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things;but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” - Luke 10:41 & 42
Reflection Points:
1 - What are your three main priorities in your current season of life?
2 - What three things could you jettison from your life in order to live more intentionally?
3 - Ask yourself the question, “What is yours to do that no one else can do but you?” The answer to that question is your priority in life.
Prayer:
“Jesus, help us to discern the temporary from the eternal and the urgent from the noble. We ask You to speak to us concerning our schedules and our time commitments. Father, we don’t want to fritter away our glorious lives with that which is unnecessary but we want to invest all of our days serving You and Your unshakable Kingdom. Thank you for wisdom, for discipline and for patience. I commit this day to You, Father, for Your purposes and for Your plan. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.”
