Doing vs. Being

I have been re-reading a book that I fell in love with, many years ago. The of this very thoughtful -and thought provoking work is Seasons of Life by Charles R. Swindoll. He divides the book into four sections, each corresponding to a season, and talks about topics of interest as we go through life. The book has a Christian perspective, yet never comes across as preachy. My mother was given this book by her best friend, who later died from cancer while still a young woman. It brought my mother joy, and now it does the same for me. And in a small way, through this post, I hope it does for you.
I read from Autumn: A Season of Reflection, and the essay was titled Doing vs. Being. He talked about a class reunion, and a trip down memory lane through the pages of an old yearbook. There was a section called "What Do I Want to Do?" and the seniors were given the opportunity to make bold proclamations of what they thought they would accomplish when they entered the real world. It's at this point where he pivots, and wonders if we focus too much on what we do, rather than what we want to be. Let me quote:

Doing is usually connected with a vocation or career, how we make a living. Being is much deeper. It relates to character, who we are, and how we make a life. Doing is tied in closely with activity, accomplishments, and tangible things -like salary, prestige, involvements, roles, and trophies. Being, on the other hand, has more to do with intangibles, the kind of people we become deep down inside, much of which can't be measured by objective yardsticks and impressive awards. But of the two, being will ultimately outdistance doing every time. It may take a lifetime to perfect... but hands down, it's far more valuable. And lasting. and inspiring.

So gentle reader, I want to encourage you: before you make yet another to do list to squeeze more goals into your already busy life, make time also to look inwardly, to think about what aspects of your character you want to be stronger in. Think about what you want to model for your children, or your employees, or your boss or coworkers. Do you need to be a little more patient? A little more disciplined? Whatever it may be, save room in life to perfect the intangibles. That was my takeaway. I hope it will be yours as well.