Some might think that multitasking is a human capability that only developed in parallel with the evolution computers moving from sequential tasking to being able to perform multiple tasks at the same time. Before then humans couldn’t possibly have known or understood how to multitask. I do believe men tend to believe this more than women do because every mother knows that her survival depends on being able to handle competing tasks at the same time during the waking hours of everyday! Multitasking isn’t an option. Multitasking is a requirement. Yet the idea that we cannot multitask continues to color how we see everything.
There are examples around us supporting the idea that humans cannot deal with two concurrent concepts. Take the natural conflict that seems to exist between our core values and what we do day by day. On most days we take actions, on in the quiet moments when nobody is watching, that directly conflict with what we hold to be most important and true. We see it most visibly in the lives of celebrities, politicians, and sports figures as reported in the press, but the themes plays itself out as easily in your life and mine.
I would like to suggest that if you or I decide we cannot multitask that we have potentially cut ourselves off from the very lifeline that can help us maximize life’s potential. We can, God did and does, multitask. Good can happen on multiple fronts at the same time!
First, there is evidence that good occurs concurrently. While Jesus was taking a break, all the while nurturing those around him, “John was baptizing over at Aenon near Salim, where water was abundant.” (John 3.23) Good stuff happening in multiple locations.
Second, imagine a world where you and I took on being God’s hands, eyes, ears, and feet; active compassion alive and working in New York and in London at the same time. Just imagine with people in every corner of the world acted on the same vision! The dream can continue with us. It’s underway with me.
