On my weekend days, I always struggle with the To-Do List versus the things I wish I could be undertaking instead. I would much rather take a bike ride than pay the bills. Kayaking sounds much more fun that cleaning out the garage.
Yet I struggle. The bills HAVE to get paid, and the garage is somewhat dangerous to navigate with all the clutter from transitioning from winter to spring.
So how do I discern what to focus on? God created us to be human be-ings, not human do-ings. That means that it is okay to just BE for a while; to sit on the porch and enjoy the rich smells of the lilac bush and fresh cut grass. To have a leisurely lunch with a friend; to take my dog for a long walk on the many trails around.
Still, those many items on the To-Do List still need to get done, and they cannot be ignored. What I have decided to do is create a To-Be list that sits alongside the To-Do List. Here are some things on my list:
Be less of a procrastinator
Be more proactive
Be a more focused listener
Be in the moment
Be intentional about self-care, healthy eating and exercised
Be content in my own skin
Be open to new people and unexpected opportunities
As I look over the list, I realize that if I focus on my To-Be List, then I will likely be more effective with the To-Do List. For example, when I leave the bills to last minute, I am stressed as I seek to meet the deadlines. When I let the mail pile up instead of recycling the junk mail right away, I have to sit and go through the stack and weed out the important stuff.
When I get something out of the garage, I must put it away right when I am done so the clutter is minimal. As I seek to be a more focused listener, then I am likely in the moment better when I am with friends, colleagues and parishioners. The outings for kayaking or bike riding are essential if I am to exercise more intentionally.
Now that the list is made, what’s next? You see, I have been down this road before and have fallen short of my intentions. In order to have greater success this time, I have shared my list with a few friends so that they may hold me accountable to my desire for a more fulfilling life.
This list is now also a part of my morning quiet time. I have begun the daily practice of offering my To-Be List to God so that I am not seeking to do it alone. By myself I am limited in my ability for success, but with God, ALL things are possible. “Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by God’s power at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20 CEB).
It's not fool-proof, but with intentionality, I have a fighting chance of being successful. Even when I fall short, if I call on God for help, I automatically win, because I have strengthened my connection with God.
FOR FURTHER THOUGT
What needs to be on YOUR To-Be List? Take some reflective time to write them down. Then, offer them to God, share them with a friend, and revisit them daily.
Remember YOU are a human be-ing not a human do-ing. Be careful not to neglect the things on the To-Do List that are essential, AND work on your To-Be List as well. It's the place where you will likely find the fulfillment that you seek. Thank the Lord daily for both of your lists, and then allow God to guide you toward the best life available to you. “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV).
PRAYER
Lord of Life, thank You for Your interest in me and the life that I lead. Guide me to seek fulfillment by creating time and space to just be in Your presence, and to be without always needing to do something. You have surrounded me with so much beauty, and it would be a shame to miss out on it. I thank You for my relationship with You that permeates all areas of my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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