A Fresh Perspective

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.