As a teacher, I’ve learned how to make really great lists. Every lesson plan is nearly organized with bullet points; each of my grocery lists organized by type. As a new mom, I have acquired even more lists- a list for car rides, a list of baby foods to try, a list of the ones she likes (and dislikes).
Here’s an example of a To-Do list from a few weeks ago:
- get babysitters
- submit grades
- organize band rooms
- get awards
- finish Sunday’s service
- pack for vacation
- finish laundry
- wash dishes
- baby bath time
- read and rock with Hayden
- bedtime
Looking back on my lists of late, I realized that I have been omitting the most important thing – spending time with the people I love. There was no date night planned, no phone call to a loved one, and no time spent with God.
As I focused on my lists … I pushed my relationships to the back burner. Sometimes the To-Dos of life overwhelm us and we lose sight of what is truly important. It’s in these moments I am humbled and reminded of God’s steadfast love for us.
But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved” – Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV).
Thank God for grace! I have been so in need. Maybe you have, too.
So, where do we go from here? Just a couple of humans falling short- again. I’ve come up with a game plan that I hope will help you, too: Plan, Patience, and Persistence.
Plan – Proverbs 16:3
Put God in charge of your work, then what you’ve planned will take place” – Proverbs 16:3 (MSG).
- Choose a few times (or just one!) to dedicate to spending time with God.
- Get specific: How will you spend that time? Will you say a quick prayer in the shower or on the drive to work, or can you set aside some quiet time in the evenings to study and journal?
Patience – Galatians 6:9
So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up” – Galatians 6:9 (NRSV).
- Allow yourself to receive the grace that He gives so freely; failure and defeat are not the same.
Persistence – Romans 12:12
Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer” – Romans 12:12 (NRSV).
- If you need someone to help keep you accountable and aren’t sure who to ask, I’ll be your partner. Find me on Sunday morning or shoot me a Facebook message!
- It takes 70 days to form a new habit, mark your calendar, and let’s do this!
“B” is for busy, but if we take a moment to “B” still, I know God is ready to speak.
Karlee is a worship leader, band director, wife, and most recently – mother. She enjoys reading sci-fi novels, watching cooking shows, and singing in the car with her husband, Andrew.