WRITTEN BY DR. JIM GRASSI
In 1981 I thought I was living the American dream. I was a deputy town manager, taught a few classes a semester at a local university, and wrote for three different sports magazines. I had just received two leadership awards, had been voted the top fisherman on the West Coast, and was a rising star as a competitive fisherman and co-host of a West Coast fishing television program. I had the perfect wife and gifted twin boys and was launching a new ministry. My goal of being successful was within reach.
Throughout my childhood, the importance of being successful had been impressed upon me, so I was making the best of my skills and abilities. But I was busy. No matter how much I achieved, there was always more to do. After running tests on my heart, my doctor told me to slow down. “You’re overly stressed and too busy. You’re trying to put twenty gallons of stuff into a ten-gallon bucket,” he warned. Instead of trying to limit my activities, I just wanted an effective way to cope with my appetite for success. I didn’t realize the toll my busyness was taking.
“Don’t tell me not to burn the candle at both ends,” I argued. “Tell me where I can get more wax!” The reality was that my health was starting to suffer, my workaholic nature fueled my stress-filled life, and it was up to me to find the peace of God – the peace that would guard my heart and mind (Philippians 4:7). After more testing doctors found a non-malignant brain tumor called an acoustic neuroma resting against the part of my brainstem that controls my heart and blood pressure. A very delicate surgery was necessary. Life was about to slow down in a hurry.
The night before my surgery, I reflected upon my life. I had gathered many accomplishments, but facing the gravity of the next day, I had to agree with Solomon:
“I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14).
Tears of regret dampened my face. When death is at your doorstep, only two things are important: your eternal security (believing in Jesus as your Savior) and the relationship you have with those you love and might leave behind. I decided that if I survived the surgery, life would have to be different. I wanted to spend more time knowing God and making Him known, encouraging and supporting my sons, and enriching my wife’s life.
God did more than a life-saving surgery in that hospital. He implanted a desire to make my life count, trusting and serving Him to the best of my abilities for the rest of my life. I had a new standard to measure my progress and success, one that didn’t just exalt me. During my long recovery, my priorities shifted to what was deeper, more profound, and meaningful, and God lifted the burden of my busyness.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 11:28-30
Personal Application: God longs to give us rest. Let God set your priorities, and He will give you a new yoke, one that is easy and light. Are you too busy? Are you making your life count – or are you just busy?
- Taken in part from Finishing Well, Finishing Strong by Jim Grassi D. Min.
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5