A Car, A Tank and an Intern
Guest blog from Katie Hopkins.
Katie Hopkins is the Youth Pastor of Epik Youth Ministry at Ipswich Region Community Church.
A Car, A Tank and An Intern
I decided to let my intern, on his learner license, drive my car. “What could go wrong?”, I thought to myself.
We had just spent an amazing week at Aussie Made Conference. The day was bright and sunny one minute and bucketing down the next. With seat belts buckled, air conditioning on, the logbook filled out and chilled music set, we embarked on our journey from the Sunshine Coast to Ipswich.
The conversation was great as we reflected on our conference experience – with only a few small abrupt interruptions to direct the learner driver. “Straighten up a little”, “Don’t forget to indicate”, “Yep, turn right here… ummm back there”. He is not a bad driver, just fine-tuning his skills.
As we came through the other side of Brisbane, a McDonald’s stop was in order but we didn’t have much time. He was eating a full meal and I decided that it was not the time for him to learn how to do that and drive. I took the keys.
After adjusting my seat to actually reach the pedals and fixing my mirrors, we hit the highway. Thirty seconds into the journey I asked, “How long has the fuel light been flashing?”
“It flashes?” was the response the came. At that moment I knew the fuel was low… very low.
I explained the importance of watching these things when driving and as I spoke the car conked out at 100km/hr. We came to a stop, looked at each other and burst out laughing. We were stuck and the clock was ticking. In that moment we knew we needed more time but in essence what we needed more, was fuel.
To this day we still argue whose fault it was – I’ll leave that up to you to decide.
Every leader has a ‘fuel tank’. A little while ago I read ‘Leading on Empty’ by Wayne Corderio where he writes about the fact that, “A leader’s best asset isn’t time, it’s energy”.
Our time can direct what we do, but our energy will determine how efficiently and effectively we use the time we have.
As Youth Pastors and Leaders we diminish our tank by giving out to others – we preach, coach leaders, talk to young people, run events, visit schools and still try to fit in more. Even with the best intentions in the world, these things use our energy.
One of the best things I have ever disciplined myself to do is to fill my tank.
There are many ways to do this but one in particular is to find a hobby – something you do just for you – painting, sport, surfing, cycling, photography.
Do you have a hobby?
Last night I had soccer training. It took my time in the midst of a busy week but it filled my tank. Find a hobby and discipline yourself to schedule time for it every week, it will fill your tank and you won’t regret it.
