You may be like me and create a to-do list each day. Maybe it’s actually written down or maybe just mental, but every day seems to have stuff that needs to get done. Part of what I do after I’ve written down all that needs to get done is to PRIORITIZE the list. This definitely helps things but what I continue to realize is that organizing and prioritizing can HELP bring peace, but if the main motives behind the method are flawed, I will find myself still restless at day’s end. Let me explain.
Now, I’m no master of the time management systems set up by Franklin Covey, Day Timer or Getting Stuff Done, but I get a sense that the to-do list is a master who is NEVER SATISFIED.There is ALWAYS another item to put on THE LIST.
A good friend of mine, Gene Ort, shares some insight on God’s “to-do” list for us each day. Hearing this clear message from God, he shares:
God’s “To-Do” List
1. Love God
2. Love yourself
3. Love the next person God puts in front of you
For some reason, “My List” looks A LOT LONGER . I make mine more complex. And the truth is, many of the things I need to do can be related to God’s list. If I need to track my finances, that is certainly a way of loving God, since He calls us to be good stewards. If I need to exercise, this is a way to love myself by taking care of the body God has given me. If I need to contact a client, I simply need to show that person God’s love.
Keeping God’s purposes at the forefront of my mind is helpful in me gaining more and more peace. My “to-do” list becomes less of a burden and more of a joy because my a PURPOSE is clear.
“ You Lord, give PERFECT PEACE to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3