Catalyst Track: Dream Big, Think Small // Day One

This track comes from Jeff Manion’s new book, Dream Big, Think Small.

 

The term “finishing strong” has become overused to the point that it seems cliché. But as a runner, and as a pastor moving into his fourth decade in ministry, the term conjures a powerful image for me—a picture of not bailing when the race gets tough but of crossing the finish line.

 

I don’t want to simply endure ministry, marriage, and friendships. I want to remain fully engaged—bringing the best version of myself to the needs of those around me. I don’t want to ever become a guy standing behind a lectern uttering mechanical, formulaic, pathetic words that lack comfort, power, and challenge.

 

 I don’t want to quit before I finish.

 

Over the next 3 days, Jeff shares the veteran wisdom he’s acquired from years in ministry. Whether you are just embarking on your journey of leadership, or you’ve been on this trail for a while, there are timeless insights in this track to help you continue to lead others well.  

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DAY 1: Staying Hydrated

 

I settled in at a coffee shop to read and journal. It was the perfect, peaceful setting to quiet my heart and reflect on life. But my tranquility was quickly disrupted by the onset of a throbbing headache. I’ve experienced this dull throb before, and as soon as it started I knew exactly what was happening and why.

 

Earlier in the morning I’d taken off on a long training run in the damp November air. The temperature was chilly and I overdressed. I warmed up during the run and overheated a bit. I wasn’t particularly thirsty and didn’t drink anything during the run, or when I reached my car, or when I got home. Big mistake.

 

Returning home, I showered, gathered my journal and laptop, and headed to the calm of the coffee shop. That’s when the dehydration-induced headache began to rob me of focus. I approached the counter and requested a glass of water, then another. But dehydration takes time to remedy, and the headache grew. The pain didn’t fully dissipate for hours.

 

My coffee-shop headache serves as a parable for emotional depletion and the need to replenish ourselves. Serving a family, a company, or a ministry depletes your emotional reserves. If you are constantly pouring yourself out, you require a regimen of filling yourself up—rehydrating, if you will.

 

Every “mile” of serving takes something out of you. If you want to live and love faithfully for decades—marathon distance—you had better know how to consistently restore depleted resources. And preferably before you are in desperate need.