Shepherding Insights

It’s one of the busiest, most draining weeks of the working year for me. My to-do list is piled high, and everyone has an opinion on what the most urgent task should be— which is of course, their thing on my to do list.

I switch on the news, and that doesn’t help: war, looming economic crises, the climate emergency, and people generally being unpleasant. I turn to the trade news, and it’s not much better—scandals, declining church attendance, aging congregations, and a lack of volunteers.

The opportunity to be overwhelmed is huge.

In these moments, there are a few things I try to remember.

My to-do list is like a jigsaw puzzle. Only I can see all the pieces and where they fit. Only I can discern what’s truly urgent and important. Others may have a perception of what I do all day, but they don’t hold the same helicopter view that I do. As a leader, I have to advocate for myself. I have to be okay with disappointing people sometimes. That’s part of the loneliness of leadership.

I also hold on to the starfish story. You know the one? Thousands of starfish are stranded on a beach, and a little boy stands by the surf, throwing them back in one at a time. A man walks past and asks why he’s bothering—he can’t possibly save them all. But the boy keeps going, turns to the man, smiles, and says, “But I saved that one.”

Sometimes, the things that overwhelm us—the state of the world, family needs, work targets, or a never-ending to-do list—feel less like starfish and more like jellyfish. Slightly less attractive. Prone to sting. But even then, every single one we manage to throw back into the sea matters.

Your one action makes a difference — to that starfish, and to you. Some of the others may be disappointed you didn’t pick them first. They may grumble. But the one you helped is now swimming, alive and well.

So, which starfish are you throwing back in today?
You are making a difference — one starfish at a time.