A Devotion for 10,000 Hours

In his book Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell writes that “10,000 hours is the magic number of greatness.” Gladwell’s claim is that nearly every top expert in their field had to perfect their craft with over 10,000 hours of dedicated practice, preparation, and perseverance.

Now, to be clear, Gladwell is referring to the phenoms in their field – the Kobe Bryants, Oprahs, Bill Gates type of folks. The outlier, the tippy-top successful that leave others in the dust.

But his point isn’t lost on the rest of us – to be good, really good, a master or expert even, takes time and dedication. It takes prioritizing your work or skill over other things. It might not take 10,000 hours – but it certainly takes a lot of time, many hours of blood, sweat, and tears, to accomplish something great.

There are many things I am good at, but patience is not always one of them. Too often, I am so focused on the final product that I’m tempted to rush through the process, the very time of grit and development that allows me to mature the skills I need and want.

This may be something many of you are familiar with. Visiting a storm-affected home for this first time, or surveying a work site before a volunteer team begins their week, it can be tempting to want to rush through to the final stage: the completion of a home, the closing of a case.

God loves the final product of our work and the gifts that are brought forth when we work together to bring something to completion.

But God also delights in the hours of perseverance and preparation, the journey that bears gifts like patience, reliance on God and one another, gentleness with ourselves, peace in the midst of chaos, and hope for another day.
For our clients, recovery isn’t just found in a completed home, but every hour, every step, every piece of their recovery and restoration.

In the Old Testament, we read of Nehemiah who returns to Jerusalem after the walls of the city have fallen and the city laid in ruins. In examining the arduous and lengthy task before him, Nehemiah asks God to strengthen him. Though the task before him seems insurmountable, he declares:

“The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding.” – Nehemiah 2:20 (NIV).

Much can be done in 10,000; there’s no doubt.

But hours 1-9999 are just as important.

This work requires our faithfulness at the first hour, and the very last.

How do you sustain yourself for the long haul? What are the gifts you have discovered in the journey?

Thankful for you all, those who have been faithful to dwelling in the mess, in the long hours and in the final moments.

Grace and peace,

Chaplain Amy