Default vs. Design

We all live in the balance of Default and Design.  The question is which one do we tend to land on?

Default is our normal tendencies.  The status quo.  That which comes natural to us.  Default is the way we do things without effort.  Default is living in cruise control.

Design is intentional.  Active.  Design analyzes and modifies.  Design is a custom response.

Unbeknownst to us we bounce between the two realities.  Here’s a little test:

Ask yourself do I tend to default or design–

1. In my parenting?
2. In my scheduling?
3. In my creative planning?
4. In my leadership?
5. In my dieting?
6. In my excercising?
7. In my message preparation?
8. In my date nights?
9. In my friendships?
10. In my personality?

Default is what keeps life consistent.  Default isn’t bad but sometimes it robs of what could be.  As a pastor default says church must be the same each week.  Design asks, “what is the best way to create a service to emphasize this ONE point?”  See the difference.  Default just assumes this week will be like last week.  Design says, “lets custom tailor this week to this theme and this audience.”

The same is true with our personalities.  In default mode I am a non-confrontationalist.  I am passive.  I am a peacemaker.  All of these traits are good but sometimes I have to function in design mode and be confrontational and aggressive.

In my family, default says I will spend time with the kids and my wife when I get home in the evenings.  Design says I will be intentional and plan something special for them.  I will be proactive about spending time with each kid in a way that they will appreciate.  Design says, “I will take my wife out for more than just dinner and a movie.”

So what will it be for you?  Default or Design?