Read a few blog posts or articles on time management, and you will hear the word maximize. I’m sure I’ve used the word numerous times.
Readers are encouraged to maximize their time, money, resources, entrepreneurial endeavors, home life, experiences, and more. The consumer mentality invites us to maximize everything 24/7. And if we don’t, we miss out.
One characteristic of Gen Z is two major fears — FOMO, the fear of missing out, and FOLO, the fear of living offline. Even devices in our lives have pushed us to maximize. We don’t miss a notification. We don’t miss a text. We respond at every ding, beep, and buzz.
As long as we are trying to maximize life to 100%, we won’t notice the natural rhythms that make life beautiful — sunrise and sundown; the change of seasons; energy and fatigue. Natural rhythms exist almost anywhere you look in life. However, the consumer mindset will rob you of enjoying the pace of natural rhythm. Sleep fast. Live fast. Don’t waste time. Reach your potential to become who you were supposed to be.
I like how Rev. Mark Powley puts it in his book, Consumer Detox: Less Stuff, More Life: “The fact is that Jesus didn’t give us a list of 100 things to do before we die. He didn’t even give us 10.”
Jesus gave us simple instructions for a life with rhythm. Seek first his kingdom and all these things will be added to you.
I love The Message translation of Matthew 11:28-30: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me — watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
We must be careful not to maximize our life right out of truly living.
You will need to say “no” to some things to put natural order in place. For many of us, it’s hard to prioritize rest and sabbath times. But that’s exactly how you restore rhythms in life.
Don’t become so efficient and effective that you maximize your life right out of your life.
