Don’t Let the Squeaky Wheel Rule!
Written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
I’ve spent much of my life pushing harder. Get the grades turned into meeting needs and create a supportive and growing church. I needed to work harder to make hay while the sun shines when work was going well. When the situation became difficult or frustrating, I worked harder to alleviate the angst. Amidst life’s push-and-pull, I wasn’t always in tune with my needs at home. Success at work does not mean nearly enough if it leaves you with a distant relationship with those you love.
The squeaky wheel gets the oil for all of us, not just ministers. Those who love you the most do not want to be a squeaky burden, so they let you deal with the issue. When many cases challenge you, too often, the family learns to live without you. So often, it isn’t intentional; they are simply trying to help. It shouldn’t be this way.
Priorities are essential for keeping us from ignoring the critical parts of our life. The way to keep from falling into the squeaky wheel trap is to reflect on your life choices faithfully. It is easier not to react to the squeaky wheel when regularly focusing on your central callings. For example, if the family is more important than your occupation, then you are better able to think about consequences before reacting to the squeak.
Today, take a few minutes and reflect on your life. Where did you let the squeaky wheel take control of your life? What helped focus your decisions more healthily? The more you can sit in comfortable silence and think, the better able you will be to learn and grow in your maturity and decision-making. Pray for God to make you comfortable in your solitude and forgive your imperfections so you can limit the squeaky wheel's control over your life.
