I am an efficient person. I pride myself on getting things done, checking off tasks and celebrating accomplishments. I like to go fast. I will always volunteer for the projects that can be done solo because then I know my work ethic and speed and am confident that I can complete them by the deadline. It’s those other pesky committee members who slow me down. I like fast. I want to be done. I want to sprint!
But further is also attractive. It indicates sustainability and lasting change. Further means going at a sustainable pace and being involved for the long haul. And it implies community. Further means being pensive, considering all angles, and making decisions together.
I heard a quote which blew my mind recently:
You go faster alone, but further together.
(insert mind-blowing sound effect here)
Efficiency doesn’t achieve what I really want. I want to push forward in many areas of life. Whether it be a new ministry opportunity, or method for intervention at work, or health goal. I want to sprint, reach the goal, finish line, or answer first. But it’s lonely there. I can go faster alone, but what I really long for is culture change, and working alongside others to go further.
I can go fast alone. I desire to go further together.