Resolved, to think more about big things

I recently read a book: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, a Leadership Fable. It’s a helpful book, an easy read, and has practical wisdom. What was crazy was that I simply pushed away from my computer for awhile, picked up the book, sat back and just read.

A month ago is when I realized that some change was required. The days had felt long and my joy was low. I was laying awake in the middle of the night. I don’t remember why. But I remember the quiet and the freedom from distraction.

I thought about my last few weeks and here was my conclusion,

Resolved, think more about big things and less about little things.

My task list had been full, and ministry had been heavy. I preached at a men’s retreat, I did a college Q&A, and I prepped a high school message, but those activities didn’t weigh me down. The burden came from the never-ending task list and the crushing load of email—my apologies to those still waiting for replies!

I was working hard and consuming content, but I was not spending time thinking.

As I drove from meeting to meeting, I would listen to a podcast. As I cleaned up the yard, I would listen more. When the house was empty, I would read some articles online while I ate my lunch. I was consuming content, both written and aural. But I wasn’t thinking much.

So it was as I lay awake that night, I realized something:

Reading

• Reading online tends to make you think about little things – things you can’t change, but that entertain you.
• Reading (non-fiction) books forces me to think about big things – things in your life that need change, which you have control over.

Audio

• Listening to the radio and podcasts tends to make me think about little things, which are inconsequential.
• Listening to audiobooks makes me think about larger issues.
• And driving in silence makes me think about even bigger about life.

Conversation

• Email allows me to talk through little things and to communicate details.
• Face-to-face allows conversations about big things and saying hard things.

So there’s nothing revelatory here. I’m not giving up blogs and online news. I’m not deleting podcasts off my phone. And I’m not giving up on email, though some days I really want to!

But again, here is the resolution:

Resolved, think more about big things and less about little things.

I am not choosing to shut out world news and informal learning. Rather, I am resolving to make sure that adequate time is given to thinking hard about major life issues, patterns I see in myself and others, and reflecting more deeply about what I am learning as I study.

Big thoughts and small thoughts both have a place. They are each integral to a productive mind and a healthy heart.

What’s your resolution for the New Year?