In reading part seven and eight, several different stories appealed to me. I ended up choosing part two, chapter seven, by Dr. James Gordon Gilkey. The focus of the chapter is the constant struggle to find balance and peace in our day to day affairs. It is described through Gilkey’s sermon which he called “Gaining Emotional Poise”. The sermon acknowledges how busy everyone can feel, “At every moment we have a dozen different things to do, a dozen problems to solve, a dozen strains to endure” (Watson, 1951, p. 220). But the power of the sermon is that Gilkey offers a tremendous solution, which is also the leadership lesson, and that is importance of living in the present and focusing on one thing at a time. In the sermon, Gilkey illustrates this point beautifully by using the analogy of sands passing through an hourglass, where only a single grain of sand can pass through at a time “The day may bring many tasks, many problems, strains, but invariably they come in single file” (Watson, 1951, p. 221).

As I read this chapter, I could instantly relate to what Gilkey termed “The relentless drive of modern life” (Watson, 1951, p. 220). It made me think of friends, family and co-workers who all live incredibly busy lives. I also immediately thought of my own life and how rushed it can feel at times. The sermon had a strong effect on me and I took several minutes to reflect on it, especially the analogy of the hourglass. As a matter of practice, I always try to be present in a situation and not deal with too much at once. However, to break it down even more and only focus on a single thing at a time, what a challenge and what a simple solution. I kept reading the line “The crowded hours come to you always one moment at a time” (Watson, 1951, p. 221). I love that line and will remember the hourglass analogy as I move forward on this leadership journey.

Daneen

Resource

Watson, L. E. (1951). Light from Many Lamps.  New York, NY: Simon & Schuster, Inc.