As I measured the log against the useful questions provided in the course syllabus, the greatest takeaway for me was the realization of my over-extended life. I am doing way too much. My problem is not that I don't get anything done or that I waste time on non-essential tasks, rather, I need to scale back and spend more time doing nothing. I need to take more time to rest and relax. I did an unofficial log through the weekend and realized that my weekends practically mirror my weekdays with just a few exceptions (church attendance and a little more sleep being the primary difference). While this is not to suggest there are no lessons to be learned, it does suggest my need to reorganize and re-prioritize my values, my vocation, and what I am living for.

The greatest obstacle to achieving my primary goals for 2005 is caught up in the mandatory presence of current commitments that are very much a part of my overall goals in life - beyond 2005. In other words, my career, my ministry, and my academic commitments are where all of my time is spent. All three of these are a part of my life-long goals and, to some extent, the goals for 2005 are wrapped up inside of these.

This time log exercise has taught me to scale back (re-adjust) my 2005 goals. Instead of a few key goals being achieved (all work related), I will delegate those tasks to others who work for me and be more of a leader in those areas instead of a driver.

This time log exercise has also taught me to insert a missing goal - the goal of rest and relaxation. While I am not quite sure how to achieve this yet (especially when I look at the time log), it is something that must move up on my priority list. I say this not as a way to look for lazy times, but more for my health and sanity! I commit my time to you, Lord. May I steward what you have given me in light of what I have to give you.