Sometimes it takes extreme measures to get my creative juices flowing. The coffee shop that I frequent, which I’m sure I’m keeping in business with my $4 latte’s and cappuccino’s, sometimes just doesn’t do it. I need to shake it up.
The daily routine of life can get me caught. It’s as if the same patterns in life, equate to the same thought patterns. And if your anything like me, being trapped inside my head for too long can be dangerous.
So, how do I change things up?
Welcome to my article. One in which I will allow you into my world of change and of multi-tasking. Because if I am doing the same thing for too long, I might go crazy.
My day starts with multi-tasking
I walk downstairs to start making breakfast, pour water (which takes 30 seconds from our ridiculously slow filter system), let the dog out and get out my computer. I pretty much always make eggs in the morning, with an assortment of vegetables which is fried in a small amount of olive oil. I almost always have to be doing two things at the same time.
Getting outside of routine
Today, as I tried to get out of my routine, I decided to come into the city (a 40 minute drive). On my way I stopped by Chic-Fil-A. First, because I was hungry and second because driving 40 minutes is boring… unless eating delicious food. On a side note, for all of you reading this in other countries, PLEASE visit Chic-Fil-A if you come to America. It’s wonderful.
The first thing I did was open the sauce packets, because you can’t eat Chic-Fil-A chicken unless its slathered in sauce (which again, is amazing). Of course, because I’m driving, setting out napkins and opening a sauce packet, I drop it ALL over my shorts.
First lesson of multi-tasking
Things will go wrong. There are so many things running around inside your head that you can’t possibly do each task fully and to the best your ability. I’ve heard that people don’t do things well now-a-days because its so easy to be distracted. People can’t focus on one thing, because there are now millions of things on the device there holding. Even if your not a self-proclaimed multi-tasker, if you have a smart phone, then you probably have inched your way closer to the dark side.
Just before writing this article, I was trying to get some work done. I have a YouTube video up in the background, I’m answering 2 different emails and checking my stocks on my IPhone. I’m honestly not sure how I manage to get anything done.
This culture has promoted the idea that we HAVE to be doing something. We can’t have any down time because we aren’t being productive. Each game on our phone, each text we receive and every TV show is screaming at us to stay focused on something.
Second lesson of multi-tasking: 100 years ago
I wasn’t living 100 years ago. But I assume that they didn’t have all the distractions that we have today. Which sometimes I think would be huge benefit. To be able to slow down and not be constantly thinking, sounds ideal. They didn’t have 50 new emails in their inbox every day and no phone to take up all the moments in between every activity.
The second lesson of multi-tasking, is to stop multi-tasking. Maybe be away from your phone for 1-2 hours each day. Or try reading a book or going for a walk without your phone. Try having a conversation and being FULLY engaged in that one conversation.
Wrestling Christian
If you have read any of my articles as of late, you would know that I have been wrestling with God. I think all these distractions, are hindering my ability to connect with God. My mind has to be moving at 100mph and I think God wants me to slow down. I want Him to speak to me in my world as if He is Google.
If there is anything I know about God, it’s that He ISN’T Google. I can’t ask a question and get a response in less than a second. I can’t send him an email, and start answering 5 others at the same time.
My challenge to myself and the reader: Let’s not multi-task with God. Let’s give Him the attention He deserves.
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Jason LaLone was on staff at YWAM Brisbane and is currently in America working with Truro Anglican Church located in Fairfax, Virginia. He is passionate about discipleship, taking Jesus’ command to make disciples a practical reality that he can live on a daily basis. He loves lasagna, cats and used to dislike Monday's, making him most like Garfield. Jason is the 2018 Joint International Basil Sellers winner.
Jason LaLone’s previous articles might be viewed at: http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/Jason-LaLone.html
Jason LaLone was on staff at YWAM Brisbane and is currently in America working with Truro Anglican Church located in Fairfax, Virginia. He is passionate about discipleship, taking Jesus’ command to make disciples a practical reality that he can live on a daily basis. He loves lasagna, cats and used to dislike Mondays, making him most like Garfield.
Jason LaLone’s previous articles might be viewed at: http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/Jason-LaLone.html