Strata Leadership defines Availability as a willingness to change my schedule and priorities to meet a need.  Notice the definition of Availability does not state a willingness to change schedule and priorities for every distraction that comes up.

John Eldredge in his book titled Get Your Life Back—Everyday Practices for a World Gone Mad states, “My soul just can’t do life at the speed of smartphones.  But I was asking it to; everybody’s asking theirs to.”

It is hard to be available mentally, physically, and emotionally, when constant distractions and nonstop information have become a way of life.  There is no ignoring it, or denying it: the world around us operates 24/7.  News from around the world is available at our fingertips at a moment’s notice.  We can receive electronic notifications from our favorite (or least favorite) news source, from movies we watch and actors we follow, and from books we read and authors we respect.  We can receive notifications of new recipes, exercise tips of the day, and inspirational quotes.  The thing to think about is, what impact does the potential of never-ending information have on our availability?  Is there a chance that constant notices and information overload results in always feeling behind, which affects being present for the need of another?

As with many aspects of life, balance is the key to building the character trait of Availability in our lives.  Schedules help us allocate our time, which can help us work more efficiently and be available to meet the needs of someone we work with or our family.  But a lack of willingness to adjust a set a schedule can keep us from being able to meet a need.  Keeping up with social media can keep us in touch with friends and loved ones, but constant notifications could make it more challenging to make the right impact at the right time with the same friends and loved ones.  Typically, balance does not happen by accident.  It requires us to review our normal habits and distractions, determine where adjustments may be necessary, and decide what practices best allow us to make the most of each moment, in order to create the opportunity to be available for others when there is a need.

Originally published in the Owasso Reporter May 2021.