As I was starting out in my PR career back in the late 80s, I edited a newsletter for an electrical time switch manufacturing client. It was called About Time.
Little did I realise that, 25 years on, I would be writing again about time, helping myself and hopefully others ‘make some good switches’ in a different sense.
In this blog I’ll be sharing insights on time management and living life on purpose. And, yes, it is about time I got round to doing it!
To revisit the electrical theme: an appliance only operates properly when it is connected into the power source.
My blog’s title is inspired by the parable of the vine in the book of John. Here, Jesus told his disciples: ‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the head gardener.’¹
He added: ‘I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.’²
He is talking about staying connected to him – the source – as the way of bearing fruit: of growing in character and fulfilling your purposes in life.
During my career I have used a number of different time management systems and personal development philosophies. Some were very good and I still draw on aspects of them, but I always felt something was lacking in them.
Most were based on following principles and processes – which are necessary. But after the novelty of the system wore off, it was all too easy to drift back into old ways. Sound familiar?
The missing link – literally – was the life union the parable speaks of. Not only does the source call you to be fruitful. But also, connected to him as branches are to the vine, we get the guidance on the purposes he wants us to be fruitful in. And the means to see them through.
Yes, we need good principles and processes. Yet, even more than those, we need a connected life of passion, power and purpose.
I don’t profess to have all of the answers, and, like everyone, am a work in progress. But I do know I’m on a path along which I am drawing on greater strength, clarity and compassion than I could muster through any system or under my own steam.
No matter where you are on your personal journey, I invite you to stay connected (in more ways than one!) and would welcome your own insights.
¹ John 15:1 NIV ² John 15:5 NIV
True Vine Time 