Energy Leaks

As the leaves change and the temperature begins to dip near freezing, we are reminded to do an energy audit or assessment of our homes to see where we might be leaking energy. When we find places where the windows aren't sealed tight or the roof might be letting out valuable heat, we fix them to save energy and money.

What about in the church? What about in you? Where are the energy leaks? We've talked about making a list of the things that drain your energy and to eliminate as many of those as you can or to at least have more energy boosters than drainers on any given day. However, there is another place where our energy tends to get drained or leaks out. And that is when we are over extended, over focused on too many things at any given time and over functioning.

Here's the best way I've found to do a quick energy leak check: Where are you doing things/tasks or taking on responsibilities that others can do for themselves? It's a tougher question than you might think. In order to answer it truthfully and honestly, we have to stop and think about everything we do on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. Are there things you are doing just because it is easier for you to do them? Are there things you do because you know you can do them better? Are there things you are doing so that others will think more highly of you or feel you are indispensable? Are there things you are doing in order to be liked?

Chances are in one of those answers is a key to an energy leak. Doing for others what they can do for themselves does not encourage health or wellness in yourself or others. It is analgous to spoiling our children and not letting them learn for themselves. Overfunctioning on your part means that others are underfunctioning. Performing for strokes and kudos turns you into an actor rather than authentic human being.

Where are you leaking energy? How can you stop the leaks and become more energy efficient? Being more energy efficient keeps the heat in, the cost down and the output balanced.