Volunteering for Prison

On a personality scale of 1-10, with "1" being so creative that nobody understands you, and "10" being so logical that you don't understand anyone else, I am a "5". Maybe a "4.5". My creative and logical sides are of nearly equal proportion. I can talk the language with both ends of the spectrum, and not feel entirely comfortable with either one. I like other "5s" the most.

I've always viewed people who tie themselves to a set schedule as on their way to 10. Prisoners to a calendar. Inmates in "time jail." No freedom, no flexibility, no spontaneity. Some of those people even carry their calendar with them every minute of the day (easier now with handheld devices).

Would you believe that I'm now praying to become more like "those people?"

My responsibilities at work, home and church are catching up to me. It's not that I don't have time for it all -- it's that I don't use my time well. Nearly every day, my creative side beats up my logical side and carries me into the world of "fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants." That's a fun world. Extra long lunch? I'm there. Telephone call to discuss the burning issue of the day? Count me in. Last minute "optional" meeting. Let's get it started.

But that world has consequences. My work suffers. My wife wonders when I'll be home for her and the kids (its not that I'm not consistently home, its that the "when" is an unknown). My friends probably think I don't have any responsibilities (not true, I just shove those responsibilities to the back burner too easily when they call).

Somewhere along the road I remember hearing (or reading) that sin is much easier to overcome when you expose it to light. That is, that you let someone else know. The word there is "accountability." While I don't know that my lack of calendar-carrying is sin, I do know that I am not as self-disciplined as I need to be, which I think can lead to sin.

So, this week I have put together a weekly calendar that accounts for some of the things I enjoy doing, and some of the things that I don't enjoy:

• Calling prospective clients (don't like)
• Exercise (don't like)
• Administrative work at the office (don't like)
• In depth Bible study (enjoy, but hard to sit down and get started)
• Family devotionals and reading time (enjoy, but too easy to skip)
• Appointments with clients (enjoy, but don't get to have them without making the phone calls)
• Ministry work (enjoy, as long as I don't spread too thin)
• Personal free time to blog and read (enjoy too much)

More importantly than creating the calendar, I've given draft copies to my wife and to five men at church. I'll also be giving my dad a copy. The goal is to have others know what I am striving for, so that there is accountability. Also, that this support team would be praying about this.

I feel there is a lot at stake. Even marginal success should result in more income, losing weight, more quality time with my family, and a closer relationship to God.

Anyone out there in the same boat I'm in? Or, has anyone successfully climbed this mountain before and now enjoying the plateau? I'd be interested in your thoughts.