Dr. Scott, with his wife Joni and daughters Julianna (right) and Larissa

Keeping Sane in an Insane World: The "Priority Principle" (Matthew 6:33)

People often ask how I "keep sane" while listening to the problems of so many people. (I know what's behind that question: Most people want their counselor to be reasonably sane). I'll admit it's especially challenging to live a balanced life while ministering to so many hurting people, teaching college classes, administering a private practice, and being a husband and father. Basically, I try to follow the same counsel I offer others: Prioritize! Here's what I mean:

• God's first. I pursue more pleasure and enjoyment from my relationship with God than my  enjoyment in anything or anyone else.  Jesus said "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). So in my life, God's my "one thing" (See Psalm 27:4). Interacting with God and His Word, and practicing His presence, moment-by-moment, is my life's greatest priority and my deepest resolve. A minute not spent in God's presence is a minute wasted. Yes, I'm human and I stumble daily. But God is faithful, and always draws me back to Himself.
• Spouse second. Next, I seek more enjoyment from my relationship with my wife Joni than with anyone or anything else (except God). That means that Joni is more important than my work, my friends, and even our kids, who benefit from the overflow of our love for each other. If things are not 100% right between Joni and me, all else stops until we are at peace again. We take time for each other daily and still try to date weekly. Every several months, we try to get a weekend for just the two of us. Is our marriage perfect? Not by a long shot! But Jesus is the third strand of our marriage who holds us together.
• Kids third. My super-daughters come next, of course: Julianna and Larissa (see below). I try to have meaningful time with each of my daughters daily, and an extra-special time, such as an outing, with each of them at least once a week. After my daughters come my closest friends and family, followed by all the people to whom I minister through counseling and teaching.

The Priority Principle (Matthew 6:33) keeps me enjoying just about everybody!  

    Larissa and Julianna Lownsdale (with Cocoa) 

De-Stressing

Life in this fallen world is stressful! I try to de-stress daily by doing the following:

• Solitude time with God. Spending time with God "one-on-One" first thing in the morning, for about an hour or so. I also keep a spiritual journal, where I write thoughts, inspirations, reflections, and new things I learn, etc. I'll also take an afternoon break at one of the the local bookstores -- especially on days I have a heavy caseload -- to keep centered and focused.
• Exercise. I work out every day (well . . . almost every day, anyway) to stay in shape and counteract the effects of stress and, yes, aging.
• Music. Music is my passion. As an amateur musician, I love playing and writing music (mostly worship music) on guitar and piano. Rare is the day that I do not wind down playing my Martin guitar. I also enjoy playing classical guitar and listening to classical music, especially Bach, Vivaldi, and Beethoven.
• Close, accountable relationships. I have several good Christian brothers with whom I fellowship regularly. As "iron sharpens iron" (Proverbs 27:17) we support each other and pray for God's help in making us the best spiritual leaders, husbands, fathers, and counselors we can be.
• Weekly corporate worship. I also worship and have fellowship with my Christian family weekly at Forest Hills Evangelical Free Church in Loves Park, IL, where I have the privilege of leading our church's Praiseband.