The List of Five
Refresh and Recharge
I love the following, written by Billy Oppenheimer (December 11). It speaks to how we might better work and focus.
In a twelve-year stretch, the legendary college basketball coach John Wooden won ten NCAA championships. In that period, his teams won a record 88 consecutive games and seven championships. So thinking Wooden would find it impressive, a young go-getter once said to Wooden that he was plugged into his job 24/7/365. Wooden asked, “How much coffee does it take to do that?”
Wooden was interested in sustainable high performance. So he wasn’t always plugged into his job. “During practices, two hours each day, I expected total and absolute concentration and participation,” he wrote, “However, once practice was over, basketball was over.”
He told his players—outside those two hours—to not think about basketball, to stay away from the weight room, to concentrate on things unrelated to basketball. “I felt it important to refresh and recharge oneself, not to be so consumed with basketball that it becomes a chore.”
Wooden’s wife Nellie said that because he left basketball on the basketball court, she could never “tell if [John] had a good day or a bad day at practice. [He] left it behind at the office.
There is something valuable about not always working. When someone is attempting to do serious thinking or problem solving, doing something besides directly working on the concern can actually be very helpful.
I recall feeling stuck at times, trying to figure out a solution to a dilemma I was facing. I would eventually move on to go on to do other things. Often, later in the day, a thought would occur to me while I was exercising, having coffee with a friend, watching a game, or even while in the shower. The answers to some problems do not necessarily come by bearing down and staring them in the face.
This doesn’t just speak to work concerns. I remember some occasions when I have been uncertain as to how to handle a difficult conversation with a friend or acquaintance. Then later, while I was doing something completely unrelated, it would occur to me how I might handle the situation.
This is a reminder to me to continue the practices that tend to refresh me. Exercise. Reading something non-work related. Walking. Talking with a friend or family member regarding something non-work related. These matter.
What are the practices that tend to refresh you?
I’ve Slept In A Foxhole
I recently listened to a podcast in which the host, a former U.S. Marine and a medal of honor recipient, interviews General James Mattis.
When General Mattis, an esteemed and decorated former military general, showed up to record a podcast at the historic Willard Hotel, the host apologized. The chair wasn’t exactly comfortable, the table was wobbly, and the microphone set up seemed awkward. “I’ve slept in a foxhole,” General Mattis replied. “I’ve been in tougher circumstances than a hotel room in Washington, D.C.—this is no problem at all.”
“I’ve slept in a foxhole.”
When you and I are someone’s guest at a coffee shop, at lunch or even in someone’s home or office, the situation is not always ideal. Perhaps the coffee is not very good. Maybe the lunch doesn’t consist of our favorite foods. The home or office temperature may be too warm or too cold.
Yet, I don’t have to let these circumstances dampen the conversation that is taking place. I can still be fully present and engaged. After all, this probably isn’t the first time I have been in a situation in which the circumstances were less than ideal.
“I’ve slept in a foxhole.”
What matters is the conversation and that I be fully present in that moment. Will I behave in a way that is gracious and not allow the inconvenience or less than desirable surroundings to become my focal point?
Looking back, I hope I focused on the other person and not the surroundings that did not suit me.
Fresh Start 2023
You might enjoy the video below. This is a message that I preached at the very beginning of this new year, 2023. The text is Isaiah 41:8-10.
Notice particularly verse 10, an encouraging word from God to Israel, as they were in exile. It is also an encouraging word to you and me:
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Suggestions for a New Year (Especially for ministers and church leaders)
"Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become. No single instance will transform your beliefs, but as the votes build up, so does the evidence of your new identity." (James Clear - June 4, 2020)
1. What kind of person do you want to be? The answer to this question will help you formulate your habits, your practices, and your day.
2. Think small. If you want to be a particular kind of person, be intentional about incorporating small habits and practices into your daily life. They matter!
3. Focus on your gratitude instead of your grievances. Yes, there may be a time to vocalize a grievance. However, I want live out of my gratitude to God instead of living in reaction to my grievances.
4. Know that your attitude is critical. As someone has said, “Life is about 10% of what happens to you and about 90% of how you respond to it.” Your attitude is more important than your connections, your intellect, your insight, etc. Your attitude will make an incredible difference in your ministry. So much of ministry is about how you respond to what actually happens, instead of being resentful of your circumstances.
5. This is a great time to get out of ruts and create new habits. This can give you renewed energy. If you want to be a person who has renewed energy, make sure your habits reflect reflect such a commitment. (Your eating, sleep, exercise, etc.)
6. Explore. — what a wonderful time to get to know a city, a new small town, a new coffee shop, etc.
7. Read. Listen to podcasts. Watch videos. But don’t just read, listen, or watch the same materials as your friends. Broaden the authors/subjects selected. Pay attention to authors/resource persons who bring value but may be different from those many of your peers are paying attention to.
8. Prepare to experience some great moments this year. Prepare to experience some very hard moments this year. Develop habits/practices/systems that will help you have stamina during the hard times. Know that many in your congregation are also going through hard times. You might ask, “What’s it like to experience unexpected job loss, depression, unwanted divorce, cancer, etc.?
9. Dare to ask for help. It might be a friend, a shepherd, a mentor, a coach, a therapist, a spiritual director.
10. Trust God. He has you in the palm of his hand.
Etcetera (Reading and Listening)
If you enjoy the writings of Dallas Willard, you will probably enjoy Seeking God, a wonderful book by Trevor Hudson. Hudson was a longtime friend of Willard and has captured the thinking and wisdom of Dallas Willard within these pages.
Listened to an excellent sermon by Jon Tyson (Church of the City New York) entitled “God Comes Where He’s Wanted.”
Also heard Cary Nieuwhof’s interview of James Clear on the “Backstory Behind Atomic Habits.” This is much more than a review of the book. Clear has much to say regarding habit formation, his approach to focus, etc.
Don’t miss this video! The kids from Hopkins, Minnesota. Oh my!
Each Thursday/Friday, I post about ten tweets especially for ministers and other believers as they anticipate Sunday. You can find me @jimmartin.
I serve as Vice President of Harding School of Theology, Memphis, Tennessee. Every other Monday morning, I publish this “Encouragement Note.” You can subscribe at jimmartin.substack.com. You can also find me on Facebook - @jim.martin or Instagram - @jimmartin.jm. My e-mail address is: jmartin9669@gmail.com. Feel free to write. I would love to hear what is encouraging or helpful. — Jim Martin
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