Life. Is. Crazy.
I don’t need to tell you – I’m sure you could tell me!
So much to do, so little time. Ever have your mind refuse to turn off? Mentally scrolling through that to-do list, wondering how it will ever all get done? When will I find joy and peace in the everyday?
No, there’s not an app for that.
No, caffeine and extended hours aren’t the long-term answer.
No, we can’t assume tomorrow or some day will be better.
So, what’s the secret solution?
A little time with Jesus.
Which is one more thing added to the list, you might think.
When we take our minds off today’s tasks and spend some time thinking about and communicating with God, we fine-tune our focus.
We realize that maybe not everything on that original agenda has a place for today. Would my life truly benefit from all that activity today or might I be better to move some things to tomorrow?
We might realize not everything on that list is a must. Might I truly be able to cross off some things… forever, without consequence? Is it really important enough to warrant a place on my list, in my day, on my mind?
The things that remain will still benefit from the fact we first focused on and consulted with our Heavenly Father.
When I spend time with Him, I’m more patient. There’s a busy day ahead, but I’ve learned He will provide for me; what needs done will get done, and the rest doesn’t matter.
I am more appreciative. I see the blessing of a pile of dirty dishes, representing food to eat for a house full of people I love.
I see more humor in things. Our dog, who ridiculously drug a branch through the doggy door, up two flights of stairs and pridefully positioned it on our bed must be so stinking proud of herself! Versus grumbling, “Look at the mess of bark, branches, and brown paw prints parading through the house!”
Jesus would not want us to not provide for the needs of our families, live in conditions which pose health hazards, or refuse productivity in the name of faith; He knows we have God-given responsibilities. He also knows God will help us meet those responsibilities without those frantic feelings of I must run around like a chicken-with-my-head-cut-off.
Jesus focused on relationships. He even commended Mary on her choice of spending time with Him over Martha’s to-do list.
Luke 10:40 gives us insight into Martha’s mindset : “But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, ‘Lord, don’t You care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So, tell her to give me a hand.'”
The Lord’s reply? “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice and it will not be taken from her.” (HCSB)
The right choice: Sitting at the feet of Jesus. Momentarily, setting aside the tasks of the day that distract and detract from our true purpose: to honor and glorify God.
We can’t honor and glorify God if we don’t know Him.
Maybe like me, you are actively searching to find that balance. It’s a daily decision. A decision we often find we can’t declare on our own. A decision that requires God’s guidance. We can trust God’s promises through Jesus when He said, “I came that you may have life, and have it abundantly. (John 10:10 ESV)
He came to save our tomorrow – and our today.
He wants us to recognize our daily need for Him while we live on earth, and He wants us to joyfully live today, doing whatever He’s given us to do.
Will you join me in praying for clarification of that list in the planner?
Prayer: Dear Lord, please show me what You have for me to do today. Show me what is important to accomplish and what can wait for another day, what You may have scheduled that I don’t even know about yet, and what items may need permanent deletion. Lord, I want to give You all of my day: my mindset, my time, my hands. Guide me to accomplish Your list for my hours and minutes. May You guide me to make decisions to embrace Your gift of today! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Think about it: How do you decide what makes it into your planner?