Take a break

Lenten meditation, week 7:

"Sharpen the saw." It's an interesting turn of phrase, but the idea is that we use ourselves like a tool, like a saw. If the saw is dull, it does less effective work. A sharp saw is always better than a dull one, and you need to take time to sharpen your saw; it doesn't just sharpen itself. What does that mean for us? That means taking breaks and assessing our physical, mental, and spiritual shape. Sleep, play, and meditation all help to sharpen the saw. The thing to remember is that it takes time; it doesn't happen on its own. If you're really busy, schedule time to sharpen your saw. Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you.

Greater than

Lenten meditation, week 6:

"Synergize." First off, "synergize" is a made up word, but let's not focus on that right now. Synergy is that notion that two things can come together to produce more than two. "Two heads are better than one," as the old saying goes. This only happens when two or three come together to work together, being open to each other's ideas and influence. So, share your work. Form partnerships and make things that are bigger than yourself. You've heard that "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts;" it's also something quite different than any of its individual parts, taking a life of its own. Open up to opportunities for synergy in your life. See how it adds up.