Manhattan has always been one of my favorite cities. The energy is just different. For as far as the eye can see, the streets are full of cars, the sidewalks full of people, and the skyline full of buildings. It is full of the hustle, the lights, and the sounds of busy people doing important things. It elevates my need to be moving, to be doing something and having an impact somewhere, somehow.
I often wonder, however, what is everyone actually doing? I have to challenge myself as I bounce from one meeting to another, feeling important. Am I truly accomplishing my mission, or am I simply caught in the deceptive allure of being busy?
I heard my friend Jerry Leachman describe Washington, DC as a colony of ants frantically running around on a log that's floating down a river, and every one of them thinks they are in charge.
There is a big difference between scurrying around being busy and staying focused on the mission and making every punch count.
"So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing." (1 Corinthians 9:26)
Churchill teammate Jacob Creighton recently shared this thought with me regarding the above verse: "It reminded me how important it is to make every effort count. In our work, it’s not just about staying busy—it’s about being intentional and impactful with every move we make. It made me ask myself: Are my daily actions aligned with our goals? Am I focusing on what truly drives value? How can I ensure I’m not just being busy, but being effective?"
I just love his thinking here. He has limited resources and time to have an impact. Focus on maximizing your return on that investment.
Know what you have control over and trust the Lord with everything else. Just because you are on the log doesn't mean you are steering it. And don't wear yourself out shadowboxing, flailing around with nothing to hit. Think before you swing and make every punch count.