Newly-Prioritized List

When I looked at today’s TO DO list, I thought, I’ll NEVER be able to get all this done! Not in one day. Not in two. Not in three.

Immediately, I felt the all-too-familiar feelings of frustration and despair. I cried out, “Please, Father, show me what to do!” And He did, just as Proverbs 3:5-6 says He will!

He said, in essence, “Your top two priorities each and every day are to honor Me and to meet the needs of others. Do those things first, and then do other tasks as you have time.”

Image by Deedster from Pixabay.com

I immediately looked at my list and prioritized the tasks according to what He had said. Now that’s He’s made it clear to me what to do first and second and ..., I no longer feel defeated and stressed. As soon as I finish writing this (which is one of the tasks I do to honor Him and to minister to others), I’ll get up and begin the next thing on my newly-prioritized list. Throughout the day, I’ll continue to work calmly and confidently.

Wisdom from the Word

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on [DO NOT RELY ON, DO NOT TRUST IN] your own understanding [INSIGHT]; [BUT] in all your ways acknowledge Him [SEEK HIS WILL, SUBMIT TO HIM, KNOW HIM] and He shall direct your paths [SHOW YOU / MAKE PLAIN WHICH PATHS TO TAKE] .

Proverbs 3:5-6, NKJV

Note: When I’m trying to better understand what a verse means, I type it from one translation and then use www.blueletterbible.com to see how other versions translate it. I add those additional insights (typed in ALL CAPS) to the translation I used initially. This takes time and looks a bit messy, but it helps me better understand the verse(s). Perhaps you’d like to try that????

Daily Agenda--Simplified!

Tasks and deadlines pile up faster than dishes in the sink, causing me to think, So much to do; so little time!

Thus, I decided to follow the instructions another writer* sensed Jesus giving to her: “When something comes to your attention, ask Me whether or not it is part of today’s agenda. If it isn’t, release it into My care and go on about today’s duties.”

For years, I’ve maintained to-do lists that contain the four categories shown in the sample below. However, mine never looks simple and short like that one! Instead, my real list is filled with short-term and long-term tasks to do ASAP. Thus, I’m overwhelmed by the sheer number of things (50 or more) I’ve listed and by the time needed to do them, as well as tasks that have become so habitual that I don’t need to list them (make bed, brush teeth, etc.).

But, after reading the above advice, I decided I’d create a second list, one that includes only the tasks I ­must accomplish today. I listed the things that I aim to do every day. With the exception of walking three miles, which I do throughout the day, I do all the others before the day “cranks up.” (Confession: Sometimes the blog post doesn’t get done, but I’m struggling to be more consistent.) So, I get up at 6:00 every morning to ensure I have time to do them. Once the “first things first” are done, then I add to the agenda, as the Lord directs me.

Working with a shorter list each day should produce the promised* simplicity: “a time for everything, and everything in its time.”

*Sarah Young, March 29^th devotional in Jesus Calling.