By Frank J. Buchman
“We wouldn’t have so much to do, if we didn’t do so much.”
Seemingly an odd statement, perhaps conceited, yet the truth.
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Looking back, one of our biggest faults has been trying to accomplish too many things.
Instead of attempting one task to the best, we’ve always had countless irons burning, likely not succeeding at any.
This goes back five decades, even grade school days, but especially high school. Probably not uncommon, it climaxed the senior year.
Serving several junior agriculture groups, school paper co-editor, maintaining grades, most off-school time carrying groceries, madly romancing, continuing cowboy lifestyle, seeking state leadership, looking to college and the future took its teenager toll, just short of collapse by graduation.
Though halfheartedly, we did make small strides, and fortunately recovery took only about nine months. Our head was straighter, and looking to life with direction and purpose.
Yet, lessons were not entirely learned, and within two years, our plate again began overflowing as we were married, with a family, completing an education, developing a ranch, working toward a lifetime career and expanding cowboy endeavors.
It took longer to summit, possibly due to maturity, maybe even wisdom, but finally there was just more than we could get everything done.
Something had to give, and it was the extensive horseshow trail, as the family was burned out from never a free moment to do anything else. Soon, life became less stressful and enjoyable for all.
History always repeats itself. Once more, diverse accumulation of tasks expanded. Ranch, newspaper job, horse training, breeding, judging, sales, related events again became too much.
Something had to give, not dissimilar to four decades earlier. Many things we’d worked so hard to build, and thought we had to have, were released, and we soon really didn’t even miss them.
Somehow seems our uncontrollable lifestyle. Again, expansion is underway, and cutback will surely be demanded. Future will tell.
Reminds us of Numbers 16:3: “You take too much upon yourself.” Then, Luke 10:40: “And, became overly occupied and too busy.” Despite the promise, Ezekiel 3:11: “I will do better, understand and realize.” Fortunately, First Corinthians 10:13: “All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.”
