5:76 – Too Much Context Switching? Take a Break

#faithbites #faithjourney context

Intro

Are you a multitasker? I can’t do it very well. I lose focus and make too many mistakes. They say people can’t multitask but some can switch context quickly so it looks like they are doing many things at once. Today, actually the past couple of weeks, have been very hectic with so many context switches that I don’t know what I’m doing to whom for how many twinkies. This afternoon, my brain had enough, and I just stopped. I took my lunch, turned off the email, watch the Star Trek Discovery Season finale, and forgot about everything (or at least I tried). Being able to focus on one context, and a fun one at that, let my brain rest and I was able to be more productive.

Questions

• Are you running yourself ragged trying to do too many things at once?
• When you “multitask” are you really making better progress than tackling one thing at a time?
• How can taking a break help you regenerate your mind and spirit?

Scripture

• Ecclesiastes 4:6 – Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.
• James 1:8 – He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
• Matthew 6:24 -No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

Reflection

From what I’ve read, the Bible has nothing good to say about multitasking. IT causes us to lose focus, it makes us unstable, and leads to us favoring some things and neglecting others. We shouldn’t be idolizing folks who can do a million things at once while looking down on those who focus on one thing and get it done well. Yes, everyone is different, and we should respect those differences.

Regardless if you are a “multitasker” or a one-thing-at-a-time person, you need to take a break. You need rest. Rest helps our bodies heal, our minds regenerate, and our spirit grow. God rested on the seventh day and Jesus often went off to pray by himself.

As we close, remember, It doesn’t matter if your break is sitting in the sun, reading a book, or watching Star Trek, take the break you need. Focus on one context, and make sure to make plenty of space for God.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for the opportunity to serve our neighbors. Help us when we take on too much. Give us the ability to focus on one thing at a time. Help us know when new need to take a break, even a short one. We pray this in your name, Amen.