If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
James 1:5
Well, I’m back. The world did not come to an end because I stepped away to spend time – real time – with the people I love most in this world. In fact, despite my taking a vacation, everything seems to have rolled along beautifully.
Amazing! Kim and I actually can hit pause, enjoy rich time with family and friends, and invest in exploring God’s creation.
[Full disclosure: I have become far more attached to my digital devices since the last time I took a true vacation. So, I found it rather challenging to totally disconnect. But I would say that it went better than I anticipated and provided huge benefits and insights into what is really important to me – as well as powerful direction for the future of Triune Leadership Services.]
3 key lessons I am taking away from this unplugged vacation are:
- Stepping away from the fray and day-to-day stresses is critical to maintaining high performance.
- You need to intentionally slow things down before you can truly focus on people and relationships.
- God provides people and signals in your life to help guide decisions and direction — if you are listening.
So where to go from here?
First, I am committing to be consistent in taking time to unplug on an annual basis.
Second, I am backing off on my weekly writing commitment. You’ll still be hearing from me but on more of a monthly or 2x a month basis. I determined that one of my biggest areas of stress was continually coming up with something fresh and valuable to write every week. After almost 7 years of never missing a week’s blog, I was feeling that I was starting to force the issue as opposed to listening to what God wanted me to share. I am going to be more patient and obedient to that guidance, and write to you only when God puts a message on my heart to share.
Third, I am doubling down on both my face-to-face training and consulting work, as well as my executive coaching. There is nothing I like more than helping people become the servant leaders that God created them to be. I am so inspired by working directly with people and seeing the incredible impact they are having on this world. Being in the same room – physically – with the leaders that God brings into my life brings me endless energy!!
Thank you all for your support and encouragement as I took this time to re-connect with the purpose in my life, and how to best play it out. I look forward to continuing to serve you as you continue your journey of leading Jesus’ way!
Blessings,
For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.
Philippians 2:13
Proud to share such a powerful message, Mark – Believe it or not (and despite the fact that we had all the excuses/reasons not to unplug given that we operate a global website) my wife and I unplugged for three (3) consecutive months last year and it was truly life-changing in every positive respect… Kudos to you for inspiring others to do the same!
Thanks Dennis. It was actually your experience that got me originally thinking about this. But I couldn’t do 3 months! I really lift you up for doing that!! Maybe someday.
So very important to step back and re-align your priorities. Congratulations on achieving your goal. Many blessings on the new areas of focus. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for your feedback Yvonne, I really appreciate it. You are such a blessing to all those you are serving to help them work in their areas of passion. Have an awesome day!
You’re welcome, Mark. Thank you so much.