Sometimes, it’s difficult to get access to a leader. We may need to have crucial conversations, but a leader may need solitude to get important work done. That idea inspired me to draw this “A senior pastor’s moat” cartoon.
No matter where you go, it can be difficult to get access to leaders. Sometimes, it is because leaders get interrupted continually. Other times, it can be because of personalities that clash. Then there are times it may be because there was a great sale on moats and alligators. It can be for a host of reasons.
Deep Work and Deep Moats
Every week, a senior pastor must prepare a sermon. That is a lot of work for each Sunday. I can’t imagine the amount of time and energy that goes into the preparation.
However, one thing I do know is how easy it can be to get interrupted these days. Any leader will have direct reports bombard them with questions and crises. Then there are our electronic distractions. If we let them, our distractions can destroy our concentration.
A few months back, I read Deep Work by Cal Newport. Newport reminded me how important it is to take the time and effort to work without distractions. The book came out about the time I drew this cartoon. It’s too bad I didn’t read it then. Perhaps an article or conversation about the concept spurred me to come up with this idea.
So all leaders need a figurative moat, if not a literal one once in a while. Too many distractions lead to disjointed, distracted work that is no deeper than a cheap, shallow moat.
This cartoon was not taken from a real-life experience. I have never seen a senior pastor’s moat. Nor were there any reptiles harmed in the creation of this cartoon.
I drew this cartoon for Kidzmatter Magazine.
Editor’s Note: I originally published this blog on October 6, 2015. I revamped and updated it for timeliness and comprehensiveness.
