I make to-do lists for everything. And, since it's Christmas time, I have all sorts lists to manage; Gift lists, travelling lists, and event lists in addition to a house to manage, kids to manage and two businesses to manage. As a result there are a lot of to-do lists to manage.
Lists are good, right? They help us stay on track, giving us a path through the day ahead of us. They can give us purpose and satisfaction, especially when we cross something off right?
But what happens when we don’t finish that list? Do you get disheartened and begin to question if you did enough?
Our worth is not determined by our to-do list; we are not better when we complete everything and we are not worse when we don’t.
Because here’s the thing: OUR TO-DO LISTS NEVER END.
We run ourselves ragged trying to get to the end of the list because it’s then we will be able to relax, only the list never ends and so we never relax.
This mindset is a huge problem and is one of the things keeping us from making time to take care of ourselves.
Our mindset is important; our thoughts dictate our beliefs which dictate our actions which then dictate our thoughts. It can be a healthy cycle or one that is detrimental to our health and well-being.
So, if you have been running, trying to get to the end of your to-do list before you rest, it’s time to create new mindset.
Start with this: For one week, intentionally take 5 minutes a day, every day, just for yourself, as a test.
As you do, pay attention to what happens.
Are you more patient?
Are you more loving
Are you more present?
Are you less anxious?
Do random things or thoughts suddenly crop up?
Are you faced with battles of guilt?
How does intentionally taking a 5-minute time out impact you? Let me know (click to email me) or leave a comment below.
I would love to speak into your situation directly over the coming weeks. We can learn to change our mindset from one of running to get it all done, to resting in the power of the One who wants to do it for us.
We’ll talk more about this in the coming weeks, but for now I leave you with this prayer:
Father God, please help me to accept my worth is not increased in a completed to-do list. Help me to know, with heart knowledge, I am already enough because You say I am. I am choosing to trust You with my lists Lord. Guide me in the timing of each item You have planned for me to do and grant me the courage to let go of the rest. I choose to believe You are not the ultimate task-master, requiring me to run myself ragged. Grant me the strength I need to intentionally make time to rest and receive what I need from you to be the woman You created me to be. In Jesus' name, AMEN.
May you have eyes to see and ears to hear His leading of your life this week.