A God-Full Day

 Welcome to Real Life. Occasionally, my to-do lists backfire.

It's January. A fresh year's before us. I want to make it count. So, I begin writing to-do lists. My desk is scattered with them:

• Goals for 2019
• To-Do Today
• Prep for Mentoring
• Writing Projects to Complete 

In the morning, I feel fresh, inspired, and ambitious. I tend to crank out these lists. I thrive on productivity. When you finish something, doesn't it feel good to cross it off a list?

And yet, our strengths can also be our weaknesses. Because I’m driven to go-do-accomplish, this morning, my lists overwhelm me. I’m pulled in too many directions. My mind scattered like my desk full of lists. It’s difficult to focus. So, I pray.

Calm me, Lord. 

Quiet my noisy thoughts so I can hear your heart. 

And enter your Holy Place.[1]

There, I hear his still small voice.

You are placing importance on things unimportant.

Before the work, Peggi, comes you—your heart, mind, and spirit. 

Until our hearts are right, our actions are simply noise, godless chatter. But when we draw near to his heart, our hearts transform. Our minds think his thoughts. Our spirits still in his peace. Priorities change. Everything looks different. 

The voice saying, “Unless you accomplish, you’re worthless,” is silenced. I am loved. I am accepted. I am embraced by a God who cares for my heart. I don’t need to conquer a list to feel good about myself. Everything I do—even vacuuming—becomes holy work. For Jesus is with me. 

Avoid godless chatter,
because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.
2 Timothy 2:16 NIV

This noisy world distracts. Apart from Christ, the day devolves into godless chatter. We drift further and further from our God. 

When we’re pulled in many directions, stretched thin, and overwhelmed, remember—heart before action. Draw near to Jesus. One thing is needed.[2] Avoid god-less chatter. Make it a God-full day!

Dear Father-God,
Our minds and hearts are easily distracted.
In a world of godless chatter,
Help us focus on the one thing we need—You!
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

If you try to seize the day, the day will eventually break you.
Seize the corner of his garment and don't let go until he blesses you.
He will reshape the day. –Paul E. Miller[3]

[1] Last post: The Miracle of Christmas
[2] “One thing is needed,” Jesus told an overwhelmed Martha in Luke 10:42.
[3] Paul E. Miller, A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World