Bible study....check
breakfast...check
errands....check
lunch...check
naptime...check
tackle my long to-do list...check
do school with my daughter...check
dinner....check
bed...check
Last week at Bible Study Fellowship, the teaching leader said "who wants to be loved like an item on a checklist?"
The answer: No one.
Not God. Not my husband. Not my children. Not my family. Not my friends. No one.
The more I have to do the more I feel like the things I want to do become another item to be checked off.
I've taken a step back today, realizing and noticing what is occupying not only my actions throughout the day but also my mind. It's easy to do a puzzle with my children while thinking about the work that needs to be done surrounding me. I re-read this post (Wherever you are, be all there), took a deep breath, and felt myself relax.
I was reminded of Ann's words..."Don't I always have the choice to be fully attentive? Simplicity is ultimately a matter of focus. Eucharisteo, eucharisteo. That keeps the focus simple - sacred." And later, "Giving thanks for one thousand things is ultimately an invitation to slow time down with weight of full attention... 'Wherever you are, be all there' is only possible in the posture of eucharisteo. I want to slow down and taste life, give thanks, and see God."
So today, prayerfully, I am slowing down and drinking up the beauty of my days. I am seeing God. I won't look back on this time as a blur because it won't be. My to-do list will be prioritized and accomplished and yet I will be fully present wherever I am.
I am spending time with God because I long to not because I need to finish today's Bible study lesson.
I am genuinely engaging in whatever activities my children invite me to play with them.
I am counting gifts.
I am watching him while he sleeps.
I am taking pictures of the everyday-ness of my every day.
I am on the floor playing with my little loves.
We are taking family day-trips to places that feed our souls.
I am viewing this past week with sick babies who can't sleep all night as more opportunities to snuggle and kiss their soft cheeks.
I am putting my phone down.
Today my priorities will be all Things Unseen
I am welcoming the end of naptime.
I won't rely on my own strength.
I will re-read this often , "Glorifying and enjoying Me is a higher priority than maintaining a tidy, structured life. Give up your striving to keep everything under control- an impossible task and a waste of precious energy." -Sarah Young in Jesus Calling
