For This Day
Volume 5 Issue 5
FOR THIS DAY The Secret Sauce by Toby Oaks
I am busy....and I trust that you, as a Coram Deo Academy parent, are too. I have learned that the "secret sauce" to helping run a school, lead our family, and have a ministry with our church is time investment in the right things, namely: my relationship with the Lord, people, my prioritized tasks, and creating gaps of personal margin. Consequently, when I am not meditating on the Scriptures, I am reading on and learning from others how to most effectively use my time and attempting to apply it. I have been working at this the last 28 years and still feel like I am learning something new, regularly. When I meet with mentors, friends and my home community group, my prayer request is almost always the same: "making the most of my time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:16).
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For This Day
Volume 5 Issue 5
Here is what I have learned in this process:
1) Time management is a process because it is life management, and life is messy, particularly in this journey of following Christ. No day is the same, there are challenges at every corner. I have to take moments to laugh with my coworkers, creatively invest in family (some days better than others), exercise (even if it is a 10-minute run) read (even if it is for 15-20 minutes a day), journal, study and pray. Sometimes the most significant investment I can make is that unplanned conversation in the foyer with that parent or that student at lunch, that teacher in the break-room, or a spontaneous
On a family hike together
outing with one of my sons.
2) Down times are essential to regroup. Even a short block to have a nap, take a walk, unplug with family, and an extended prayer time on a weekend or the first day of a long break (Thanksgiving/ Christmas/Spring Break) is critical. Saturdays and Sundays are important days for our family. We know that Saturday homework has to happen, but that afternoon nap, family outing, or down time will pay big dividends (It is almost like God knew what He was doing when He commanded us to rest)!
3) Guilt and comparison is a poor motivator. If I am thinking about
“Time management is a process because it is life managment…”
what the "perfect people" are doing (or not doing) and attempting to maintain the perfect "work-life balance," I will fall under the expectations of perfection. I may have some days where I am working until midnight (or waking up at 3:00 a.m.), or other days when I am choosing not to answer that e-mail on a Sunday, or not having the perfect lesson plan...and that is ok. One of my seminary teachers once shared, "for some of you, an A is great...but for others of you who have families, trying to maintain an A at the cost
of your family would be sin." Life is about trusting the Lord to do what only I can do and give up the illusion that I can do everything.
4) Prayer and planning are essential. My relationship with Christ is not just lived out in my service on Sunday, but it is seven days a week--it is in decisions with my time, which often need to be Coram Deo Academy
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prayerfully informed by the Word of God and also through the counsel of other believers. The prayers translate into plans, which then translate to "scheduled priorities." I utilize several tools in my toolbox, including my Evernote app, calendar resources and books such as What's Best Next by Matt Perman. If you are an Evernote user and would be interested in a weekly template I use, don't hesitate to contact me at Toby.Oaks@coramdeoacademy.org
As Coram Deo families, you all have unique challenges. Many of you are working long hard hours on the job or long hours within the home school days. You (and your students) may feel pressures with your time that are overwhelming. Many of us as administrators and teachers are also Coram Deo parents and know and experience the challenges right along with you. I hope as we walk through this journey together, you are encouraged that you are not alone.
Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17 NASB
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The Oaks family - Toby, Sonia and sons, Ryan (6th grade) and Nathan (2nd grade). They attend the CDA Collin County campus, where Toby is the Campus Administrator and Logic/High School Director.
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For This Day
Volume 5 Issue 5
FOR THIS DAY ________________
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 ________________
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