Some people are good at multitasking. I am not. For example when I try to type and talk on the phone at the same time, you get the title above! Not only that but I think I told my friend on the phone that I would see him “yesterday”!
Some things are better when they are not rushed. Relationships are that way. We can’t build trust and care in high speed mode. It takes time, patience, and focused attention. There are no short cuts to lasting relationships.
Investing in other people may be time consuming, but the rewards are well worth the effort. There is nothing in life that brings the satisfaction of knowing you have been a blessing to another person. We may find some joy in many other pleasures, but ultimately our life finds meaning and satisfaction as we fulfill the basic purposes for which we were created. Jesus was once asked what the most important laws were.
He answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
We were created for relationship – relationship with God our maker and relationship with our neighbors – and in all of these relationships we were created to respond to one another with love. Love is developed over time as we talk, listen, and show our care by our willingness to serve the other. It can’t be rushed. You can get fast food at the drive-thru, but not solid relationships or the satisfaction they bring.
How are you investing your time this week? Are you giving significant time and effort to build some key relationships? Are you running franticly from one quick activity to the next? Are you spending hours with things that have a shallow reward, but neglecting the time with people that will bring lasting satisfaction?
We all have many tasks to do. Multitasking may help us get many of these things done. But let’s remember that the things that really count in the end are best pursued slowly, with focused attention, and loving care.
Invest in your relationships today!