Every Thanksgiving I am reminded of one of my many pet peeves…leftovers. I have never been a big “leftovers” fan. For some reason, I just don’t like them. I really don’t know if there is one defining reason or a particular problem with eating day old scraps. Anne would probably say it’s because I am really picky about what I eat. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I only eat good things - that’s nowhere near the truth! And I promise it’s not a ‘Green Eggs and Ham’ thing. I have tried them and I just don’t like them. I guess if I had to narrow down my disdain for leftovers to one rationale, I would have to say it’s “the process”.

 
Now realize, I am using the word “rationale” loosely. I have my phobias and an obsessive-compulsive nature to overcome, but there is something about the entire leftovers process that just turns me off.

 
Maybe it’s the fact that after dinner, we get out these odd shaped, plastic containers and begin slopping the extra food into them. Or maybe it’s that when we can’t find a proper container or matching lid to fit, we reach for the drawer and pull out a roll of thinly pressed metal to cover our food. I had braces for four years, why would I want to taste metal when I eat again? Or how about plastic wrap? I’ve seen what that stuff is made of. I have walked on it, sweated on it, and my co-workers spit on it and now I’m supposed to use it to protect, cover, and keep my food from going bad?!

 
Then there is the refrigeration process. You throw the container into the fridge with intentions to heat it up for lunch or add it to the next night’s dinner. Good intentions but the next thing you know, you have a run-away science experiment that Louis Pasteur would be proud of and you’re counting the days until trash day so you can get rid of your specimen without stinking up the entire house or garage - lucky trash men!

 
Or maybe it’s when we fill the container to capacity and begin smashing the food with a spoon or a finger to fit just a little more in. Perhaps it’s that we sometimes combine our leftovers; a little mashed potatoes, a few peas and a couple slices of ham, until we have this great multi-colored collage of refuse - YUCK! Don’t get me wrong, leftovers are okay. I guess I’m just “leftover challenged.”

 
 Many times I think our lives operate that way as well. We cram and shove all this stuff into our already busy lives and schedules and hope it all comes out smelling good. But the reality is, it very rarely does.

 
What are you filling your life with? Is it a conglomeration of little things that keep you busy and keep you away from your priorities? Or do you try to cram a few big things in together that just don’t fit?

 
When we have an overloaded life, our tendency is to lose sight of priorities, goals and people. We dishonor ourselves and those around us because we simply can’t cram them in. If we want to have a successful thriving life and ministry, then we need to lead effectively. Vision, mission, values and goals are just a few of the foundational pieces that must be in place for healthy growth to occur. The intangibles, which are rarely taught or discussed, are some of the most important things you need in order to lead. Concepts like relationships, attitude, teamwork, organization and honor are difficult to put your arms around. But they must be a priority.

And by the way…pumkin pie the day after does not count as leftovers. That’s called seconds.

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