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Last week I read a Fast Company article that hooked me with the compelling claim that the author had figured out how to design her day for peak creative performance. I’m always a sucker for these snapshot life hack articles. This one I appreciated because of the author’s simple suggestion of breaking up each day of the week into four chunks: “work,” “play,” “fit,” and “push.” - Work is, of course, work, and to aim for three major accomplishments per day is reasonable.
- Play gives the head a break to process and rejuvenate (it also helps the soul and psyche feel happy).
- Fit is exercise, which is something I need to do every day for performance in every area of life.
- And push is about doing something outside the comfort zone that helps you to grow.
I liked the simple four-part framework and I like each of the categories because I am familiar with the need for balance in my life.
The thick of summer is here which brings different family rhythms, requiring more intentionality with balancing each day’s work. Not only are the kids out from school and enrolled in Junior Lifeguards, but our work location has taken on a multi-site experience for these summer months. It’s fun, to some degree, but we need to be mindful because we have some important things underway that require our best selves.
Here are a few brief Pro Deo Foundation highlights from these summer months:
- We were grateful to participate in our first granting cycle, inviting organizations to apply for grants for their work. We were pleased to award grants to Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Henri Nouwen Society, Restoring Us, La Casa, Servant Project International, and EduDeo MInistries.
- We began a partnership with the administration of Carpinteria High School, with whom we have contracted to run their after-school program next year, which will serve as a pilot program for our Pathways program that we have been developing.
- We have secured a location for a maker-space retail center, allowing us to begin a youth entrepreneurship program and sell hand made goods in our gift store
These are some of the major things the Lord has done and is doing in our midst. Even more, we are preparing to welcome three students from ByGrace, Kenya, in October to be with us and serve among us for a while.
In addition to making soap in preparation for the fall program launch, Chris continues to serve at Summerland Presbyterian Church and other local congregations along with the Henri Nouwen Society, continuing to preach, teach and write his thoughts on the spiritual journey. This summer is largely about completing a dissertation for a doctoral program.
Dave is spending most of his sunny summer hours in a garage (albeit with a decent view of the Santa Barbara mountains) working with our Boss Laser, cutting and engraving mostly wood products which teenagers will learn to produce and sell for profit.
Devon and Rachel have also been working with us, Rachel is managing our product line and Devon is building out displays and doing administration.
Karen and Henry, the founders, are actively serving in the community and building relationships to offer various kinds of support for the ministry.
If you would like to be part of supporting our work, we are in need of tools and light woodworking equipment, as well as soap-making materials such as essential oils and other ingredients.
Please contact us if you would like to make a tax-deductible donation. Every dollar goes directly to the cost of the program, which enables us to build meaningful mentor relationships with kids in need.
We are so excited for what God has in store for the coming Fall and hope you will keep us in your thoughts and prayers!
Chris and Dave |
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