Less is more?
Whilst I am a firm believer in doing a few things to a high standard rather than lots of things to an average standard something about this common phrase bothers me.
I think it sounds very nobel, but in reality less most often means less.
The pivotal idea of less is more is that less creates space for rest and in turn rest creates space for creativity and excellence.
But for some of us less actually poses several problems; to do lists don’t do themselves, it conflicts with our sense of urgency or responsibility, and we thrive on accomplishment. For many of us accomplishing less is incredibly frustrating, lists only getting longer is demoralising, and our sense of responsibility weighing heavy on our minds often sabotages our rest.
Similarly rest is an often unwieldy and widely misunderstood. An absence of activity is not necessarily restful and so many of us make the space for rest but find it does not refresh us for more creativity or excellence.
Perhaps less may not really be the answer?
Sustainability is one of the key focal points of society today. Sustainable energy, sustainable living, sustainable resources, sustainable farming many are compelled to figure out how to replenish at the rate we are depleting resources.
I think deep down many of us yearn for the same thing in our own lives.
So, many of us find ourselves wrestling with a similar question in ministry. Is sustainability possible? Is it possible to fulfil our potential without burning out?
The hope is, it is. Isaiah seems to suggest that it might be writing;
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord the everlasting God the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary and his understanding no-one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youth grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40 25-31)
Over the next few blogs I hope to unpack a few of my thoughts of how this might be possible.