In our work as fundraisers, development or stewardship officers we can get caught up in the immediate, or imminent part of our work. Those are things like planning for events, getting our mailings out, working on newsletters, etc. These tasks, when part of a comprehensive and cohesive whole, are good to work on. This is "the stuff" of advancement and getting out the message about our school.
Then, there are those aspects of our work which are not pressing from a scheduling perspective, but are every bit as important because they are the most significant. Websters defines eminent as high, lofty, towering or prominent. These are the items that may not make it to the daily planner, but are those where life happens. A family needs a word of encouragement, another development officer needs a shoulder to lean on, a volunteer would be blessed with a little recognition, etc.
Balancing these two competing priorities is the mark of maturity in our world. We should have a game plan that keeps us on track while we build in unscheduled time for unexpected opportunities to bless others and to think out of the box.
How do we do this? First, recognize that the work of advancement is never done; there is always someone else we want to introduce to the school. Second, find a mentor who will walk alongside you, who will pray for you, and will help hold you accountable to balancing competing priorities.
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