My father always says, when you want something done give it to a busy person to do...I've lived long enough to agree with him. But that doesn't mean that busy=efficient. I still am struggling with time management, as I have mentioned before in these "pages." In addition, there is a ordering of priorities that needs to take place, to find the place that best suits you in the life/work balance.
With six kids, multiple civic commitments, and running a start-up venture fund, I know what busy is -- and I know what can happen when you lose control over true priorities.
Anyway, yesterday was the annual Jerusalem Marathon, which is really a half marathon (21.1 kilometers). I pledged I would train, I told myself to get to bed early the night before. I didn't train at all, in fact only ran twice in the past month. Work, new baby in the house, etc.
The night before the race, I said, ok, now I need to get to bed early. My 9 year old daughter comes to me at 10 PM and says, "Abba, you need to sew my skirt -- my dance recital is tomorrow and we need to wear THIS skirt." I thought, oy, a button fell off, who has time for that...but then she held up a large piece of cloth, a strip of elastic, and scissors. I have never made any article of clothing before, let alone a skirt. I took a deep breath, and having realized that my highest priority at that moment was my beautiful daughter, I sat down with her and a needle and thread. After half an hour, threaded the needle. 2 hours later, we had a passable skirt.
Time management is important, and I need to get better at it, but priorities need to be order. Nothing was more important than that skirt.
Oh, and how did I do in the [half] Marathon? My best time ever in Jerusalem, 1:56. I guess sewing helps running...;-).
Shabbat Shalom. Spend some time with your family.
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