Time's Pecking Order

(from my nature journal)

If you've ever been around chickens, you soon come to realize that there is a pecking order or hierarchy established among these barnyard fowl.  The most dominant hens who have successfully bullied their way to prominence peck at weaker hens, sometimes pecking out feathers and leaving bare patches on the less fortunate poultry.  The aggressive hens obviously carry their weight in the chicken coop!

Just as farm hens establish a priority of importance in the barnyard, so must we with our use of time if we desire to stay in forward motion with our lives.  The time we have on earth is a gift...every moment matters.  Our stewardship of how we spend our days will come under scrutiny.  Establishing what is most important in our life overall will help us to determine what needs to be given priority in our every day.  Golda Meir, former prime minister of Israel, stated this:  "I must govern the clock, not be governed by it."  In this digital age where so much of our time seems to be siphoned off on what matters for the moment but not the big picture, this is quite a feat for most of us to stay on course.

Here's a few thoughtful quotes to empower you to stay the course, like an Olympic athlete focused on the finish line:

"Without discipline, there's no life at all."

                                                        ---Katharine Hepburn

"Live a life of intention and purpose.  Ask yourself, 'What can I contribute to this day?' "

                                                        ---Todd Henry

"The secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine."

                                                        ---Mike Murdock

Even with the best-laid plans, reality often careens across our schedules with demands beyond our control.  But if we develop a habit of "getting back in the saddle" after such events, we will find ourselves advancing towards our goals.  Remember Aesop's famous fable about the rabbit and the turtle....slow and steady wins the race.  Persistence!  Rory Vaden encourages us with this:  "Focus on progress, not perfection.  All success is messy.  It is never a perfect plan.  Cultivate the habit action by demanding progress."  

  

Enjoy some interesting facts about pecking order among chickens on this Youtube video:

Live bravely and beautifully!