New Year's Resolution – Longer Showers?

It’s been a number of years since I made New Year resolutions, and I’m not changing my pattern this year. Most resolutions are lofty and inspirational, but they are typically broken within a few days. So let me offer a suggestion (not a resolution) that is more attainable and quite possibly more helpful – take longer showers. That may not be the oddest resolution you’ve ever heard, but it’s certainly not the garden variety of exercise more, eat healthier, etc. It has nothing to do with personal hygiene. And it definitely requires to an explanation. Some of my most creative ideas and best solutions to problems occur in the shower. I don’t listen to music, and I don’t keep my electronic devices nearby, which means that I can let my mind wander and wonder about whatever challenges are most pressing. In those unstructured and less rushed moments, new ideas emerge. I see the issue differently or the missing piece suddenly becomes clear or I realize can offer valuable assistance. The impulses that come from a fresh perspective are important for anyone in leadership. I’m not suggesting that you are solely responsible for every out-of-the-box idea that will move your church or ministry forward, but you should lead the way. And the simple truth, at least for me, is that my best thinking doesn’t happen if I’m staring at a long “to do” list or if emails are constantly popping up. Fortunately, I’m not limited to 5 minutes in the shower for my inspirations. I get the same benefits when driving in silence or while running (without devices). Maybe a longer shower isn’t the answer for you, but I hope that you will make the space in 2019 for the fresh ideas and creativity that your church or ministry needs from its leaders. It’s easy to receive my blogs by email. Just sign-up on Feedburner by clicking here.]]>