Day 39 - 40 Days of Prayer - Kevin Yoho

I just think things should work properly.

“So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit” (Galatians 6:9).

I really enjoy inventor stories. Inventors are people who are crazy enough to imagine that something can work even better. An inventor sees something that could work more effectively. The vision is to clearly focus on what could be. As the vision takes shape, the inventor fails miserably a million times trying to bring about change that works. The solo inventor's passion and vision can catch on. A team of inventors collaborate. The cycle of trial and testing, measuring and assessing, continues. Learning occurs. Its really hard work to invent something of value. Then, the progressive spirit of inventing finally yields results, often with surprising aspects that cascade into new challenges. An adaptive process emerges from a collaboration driven by the spirit of inventing. Hope, passion, mutual respect, and competency are the inventor 's mantra.

Take vacuum cleaner man James Dyson, for example. Recall the Dyson ad? At the end you hear the voiceover by Dyson himself, “I just think things should work properly.” That’s just awesome to me. “I just think things should work properly.” Dyson epitomizes hope, passion, respect, and competency. He is a true inventor. His company exudes that inventor's spirit in its culture, employment practices, and environmental responsibility. (Take a look at the Dyson story for some needed inspiration. Here’s a link to a summary: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dyson_(company))

“Working properly” is a great objective that applies to much more than cool vacuum cleaners. Most of us know when things work properly. When things are working properly, expected outcomes are realized. When they’re not, we are not satisfied.

Thank you for participating in the 219th General Assembly. I pray that you cultivate an inventor spirit. The whole church will be blessed if you do. We can choose to change and grow as Presbyterians…as humans, to love the world in even greater ways in Jesus’ name.

The Apostle Paul urges us to keep focusing on what works. Be attentive to what’s working properly within the Assembly. Continue to do more of what works. Contemplate how you, like an inventor, will contribute value to our denomination’s health and effectiveness.

Your time and attention, along with your unique contributions, are core gifts to this assembly. (Thank you!) Take responsibility to manage your time and energy wisely.

It is also important for us to practice ongoing self-compassion and self-forgiveness. While aiming for our best, working properly means we must realize our limitations personally and professionally. We can let go of what cannot change and instead, focus on what we can make better. Even away from home, we can rejuvenate our sense of life and hope with simple practices including spiritual disciplines, enjoyable social activities, moments of exercise, healthy eating habits, journaling, and restful sleep, which all contribute to our working properly on the inside.

I offer you my Top 10 “Working Properly” Tips for GA219. I hope you find them as useful as I have.

1. Trust. God loves you and the whole world.
2. Be mindful of your physical, emotional, and spiritual path.
3. Maintain intentional rhythms of active engagement and disengagement.
4. Keep your spiritual nourishment and support system fresh.
5. Clarify your personal boundaries. What works for you? Know what doesn't.
6. Invent something. Reinvent yourself. Be open to God's preferred future.
7. Make meaningful promises and keep them.
8. Deliver more than expected and be proud of it.
9. Remember, we are all connected. Think about your community. Treat others respectfully.
10. Enjoy life in hopefulness.

•When in doubt, see #1.

We do not gather to make a better vacuum cleaner; we gather to make a better world. I just think things should work properly. How about you?

What is something you will make better today?

Kevin Yoho
General Presbyter
Newark Presbytery