The Ex-Pastor Series: Accept the Size of Your Plate

Recently, I was at a well-known convention listening to an even more well-known media personality, writer and speaker. I caught myself thinking about this person’s insane schedule. He has a daily radio and television show, he mentioned he was in Pennsylvania speaking the night before, he currently is also in the middle of a comedy tour. As if this were not enough, he also is the author of many New York Times Bestsellers, has started a publishing company as well as an online store. Amazing! I thought, “how the heck does this guy do it?”

I have come to believe God blesses everyone with a different-sized plate. Much of the stress in our lives comes from NOT accepting the size of that plate; and conversely, great peace can be had by accepting your plate-size.  For a time I was leading a church relaunch, working on my Master’s degree, starting a non-profit organization and our family grew from just my wife and I, to three children over four years. I had a personal metaphoric “plate” that was beyond full. I started slacking on my main responsibilities, even stuff I loved, like writing and public speaking engagements.

Here’s just a few characteristics of not “accepting the size of your plate” and living by that acceptance:

• Lack of motivation to complete tasks you normally enjoy
• Easily distracted or seeking escape
• Depression
• Workaholism just to keep up
• Not finishing projects you normally enjoy
• “Winging it”
• Constantly apologizing and making excuses for not returning calls or emails

When you live your life and accept the size of the plate God has given you, life becomes more peaceful and fulfilling. Don’t fret over the size of your plate, embrace it! Live life and do the BEST you can with what you have. Therein, lies the secret to fulfillment.

Have you accepted the size of your plate? Would you add anything to the above list? Do you embrace your “plate” or fret over it?