The Importance of Being There
I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.—2 John 1:12 (NIV)
“Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you.”—EXODUS 18:19 NIV
Moses was doing too much.
Exodus 18:2–3 tells us that the great leader of Israel sent away his wife Zipporah and their sons. Though the Bible doesn’t elaborate, it appears that Moses was working too hard—possibly even neglecting his family. Maybe he sent them away because he couldn’t work as hard as he was working and care for the family at the same time. Whatever the reason, his father-in-law Jethro decided to visit.
The next morning as usual, Moses got up to go to work. After observing Moses’ exhausting routine, Jethro sat down with his son-in-law. “Why are you doing all the work yourself?” he asked. “You need to start delegating.”
Moses was working so hard that he had lost his objectivity. Jethro provided him with a different—and helpful—perspective.
It’s easy to get caught up in the “tyranny of the urgent” and lose perspective. When we take a step back and look at our lives more objectively, we often see alternative ways of doing things. Such insights can come from a trusted friend or relative.
What is there about your present situation that might require perspective from someone else? Is there something you could be doing differently? Is there a task you could be delegating or an option you haven’t considered? Learn from Moses—take the advice of someone who could offer you a much-needed perspective.
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the perspective that others can bring. Teach me to listen to and heed wise advice.
I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.—2 John 1:12 (NIV)
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.—2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (NIV)
The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.—Proverbs 19:8 (NIV)