So this morning I woke up thinking about all the "stuff" that I needed to get done — upcoming projects, weekly to-dos, people who needed minutes and hours from me and I began asking myself if I had time to get it all done.
As I ran through the checklist of tasks and scheduled needs I began to think that yes, I could get everything done today.
And then I thought about tomorrow. Tomorrow it all starts over again. I get to wake, creating a mental to-do list that, if I can complete the whole thing, will take my whole day.
What about the day after tomorrow? And the day after that? And the day after that...
I think I am realizing that I am time trapped!
I have set some goals for my life. I am not really moving forward on those goals because I am crossing-off items on a list. There is no think time in my schedule. How do I budget time to think about how I make myself, my family, my ministry, my church better?
There is not margin. How do I schedule rest and be able to trust that all is well? How do I prioritize when I am passionate about all the things I am involved in and feel that each is vital.
In short, how do I get out of this time trap of "just enough time to get today's stuff done?" How do I get to the place where a day possess not only its own tasks but preparation for the future, guiltless rest, recreation, and productivity?
I look forward to your great wisdom.
Oh youth today. Everything so fast paced!!!! The Lord requires from his people just today!!!! No reason to stress over tomorrow, for tomorrow is not promised. I found your blog overwhelmingly heavy... I was feeling anxious as I read how heavy and stressed your words were laid out on your blog! How do we get all things done in one day! Rest in knowing that God gives us the right measurement of time and strength that each of his children needs. Not more and not less... just the right portion!!! Sometimes we worry too much of our schedule, instead of just acting on what we need to do in that hour. One step at a time. You will see.. God gives us just the right amount of time to get it all done. I find I get into a lot of wasted stress running ahead of God. Let God lead each moment of your life.
ReplyDeleteI think its about following Jesus' example. Even w intense ministry demands Jesus walked away guilt free when he knew the Father was done in a place or that it was more important for those who needed him that he get rest or eat or chill w the disciples or be alone w his dad. Set up boundaries, say no, turn our phones off
ReplyDeleteI hear what you are saying...
ReplyDeleteI totally agree that time alone with Jesus is important... I find that "too busy not to pray" is an axiom I must live by.
What I am hungry for is not greater productivity but a new way of living!
How do we live in light of eternity... I do not want to live my life satisfying "the urgent" when I could be fulfilling the significant.
I very much want to experience all God has for me today but I also wisely want to be preparing for what God has for me in my tomorrows. I want vision greater than the moment. I want to see past the expedient and into the eternal...
In short, I want less to-do's and more to becomes... I want my life — my whole life — to be transformational. Transformational not just for me but for everyone I encounter.
I want more than "one day at a time."
I want to experience a life in the day...
"Life in the day"... is living for HIM... in all areas, in everyway!!!! We make is sooo difficult! Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you!! (Matt 6:33) How we all forget, it's all about HIM... not our selfish gain. He will grant his people greater vision, provide sufficient time.. Seek Him first!! in all thing!!!! It's all about Christ!!!
ReplyDeletei think in our culture the only way to accomplish what you are after is obedience. its simple but its radicle and when we know the will of the Father, and we know we are following it, "the stuff" and "lists" are suddenly not so important. its the listen to heaven with one ear and listen to the earth with the other ear thing.
ReplyDeleteI also think the Lord is even more passionate about this then you are and He is the one that has the "how tos" and the vision and the creativity and the time and the people...i think you just keep asking and dont settle until He answers. everywhere i go latetly the answer seems to be pray more..so im just passing on the lesson in my heart right now..pray alone pray with your wife pray with your kids pray with your friends pray with your leaders pray with your students,,,you get it