How to make the office more bearable

I hate cubicles. I hate desks. I dislike most
meetings. Most offices remind me of dog kennels. We were made for
the outdoors. Sunshine actually increases your serotonin levels.
Over in Russia
where everything looks like “Joe vs. the

Volcano,” the average life expectancy
for men is 60 years old and the whole nation has a massive vodka addiction.

So, when it came time to outfit our new office, I turned the
creative types loose. They built a patio out back where we can drink
cappuccinos and work on wireless internet. It feels like a Starbucks.

I refused to get a desk. Karen bought me two
overstuffed chairs which recline.

If I have to have a meeting, we go outside. Yesterday
our drama ministry management team met at the park and ate enchiladas (which
was a comical scene since the restaurant didn’t include any forks). Our
marketing team met at Mark Almand’s house.

If I’m going to a checkup meeting with a direct report, I
like to go on a walk. My favorite spot
is my porch. I don’t hold my direct reports to the clock. If they
want to work at home, that’s fine. We’ve become very decentralized with
offices scattered around the country.
We’ve put more of our database online so information is accessible
anywhere, anytime.

Jesus promised us abundant life – I think that begins with
the place where we spend our daylight ours.
As frequently as possible, we should throw a party, have a worship
service, or find an excuse to go on an adventure. Work can happen along the way.