We all have a “To Do List,” don’t we, Dear Reader? Some of us literally have a notebook in which we write everything down we must accomplish for the day. That’s me! And some of us keep a mental list in our heads. That’s my husband! Most of us would probably agree, we are looking for ways to pare down our never-ending “To Do Lists.” I want to give credit where credit is due. My favorite Podcast and Radio Personality, Brant Hansen, gave me the initial idea, but after that I took it and ran with it. So here it is, Dear Reader: some ideas I’ve had to try to help myself not be so busy. Maybe you too, will find a few ways to lighten your load.
- I don’t have to spend time judging other people. (Brant gave me that idea.)
- I don’t have to spend time trying to control others. I’ve found not trying to control my adult daughter at every turn has especially freed up a lot of time. And soon I’ll have virtually little control over my son, too. I’m already planning all the other worthwhile tasks in life I will be able to accomplish with my extra time.
- I don’t have to spend time campaigning to God that He can’t do this whole earth-thing without me. He can. Quite easily.
- I don’t have to spend time worrying. In full disclosure (and perhaps ironically) the wreck kind of just knocked the majority of worry right out of my life.
- I don’t have to spend time being displeased with or resenting others. Interestingly, I’m doing a quasi-case-study on one of the most resentful people I’ve ever met. I pray for the individual multiple times per day and it actually makes being around this individual semi-bearable, because even though I know that person is not cheering for me, I truly am cheering for that person.
- I don’t have to spend time feeling sorry for myself. After a tragedy, people allow you to use that card and often even encourage you to play it. When I’ve played it, it’s not done one thing to make my day any better.
- I don’t have to spend time making it look like I have it all together. My house is put together, tidy, and clean. That’s the only thing in my life that’s “put-together.” I am not! And people can spot it a mile away so I might as well be honest.
- I don’t have to spend time trying to please everyone. I need to please God and then my husband, in that order. I hope to make others pleased, but I can’t lose sleep if I don’t.
- I don’t have to spend time on obtaining my wants in life. Obtaining what I truly need takes enough time.
- And finally, I don’t have to spend time worrying that I’m making mistakes. Of course I’m making mistakes! And I serve a big, gracious God who forgives me for them if only I ask Him.
And so, Dear Reader, in a world where busyness seems to increase I’m trying to decrease my busyness. Maybe you feel the same way.
Until the next Wednesday the Lord allows.
