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10 Minutes Peace
by Susan McGrath
As I wrote out a "To Do" list the other day I was hopeful and even excited about accomplishing all the little things I had written, from errands like bank deposits and mailing gifts to cleaning my house and writing this column. Somehow, though, the determination and good intentions always get lost between the list and the actual accomplishment.
I used to be a big list person and felt so fulfilled when I was able to cross off my chores one at a time. Now, I guess I just get overwhelmed at the thought of all the work involved to actually complete my list. Oh, yeah - and I have a couple of kids who sometimes distract me from my work and divert my attention. What it really comes down to is that a perfect house and having everything checked off at the end of the day is no longer my priority. That's probably why I rarely make lists anymore.
Even though my list isn't always on paper anymore, it looms like a mountain in my conscience, waiting to be conquered. The wonderful part is that even when there are no visible signs that I have checked anything off, I may receive a call from a friend thanking me for an encouraging email or be able to tuck my child into bed knowing that homework is finished and a favorite story has been enjoyed. Sometimes even when the dishes and laundry sit in piles I am rewarded knowing that I gave of my time and myself to others that day. (And knowing the housework will still be there for me tomorrow.)
It's not that I am not bothered by a messy house and other tasks I may not finish in any given day, but I have come to realize many things are more important than the mundane, everyday tasks that I don't always get around to doing. Yes, I miss the days when I never went to bed without everything in my house being in its place, my clothes picked out for the next day, all my phone calls returned and my face moisturized. But even when I fall asleep on the couch with a mess of toys, papers and laundry all around me, I have a peace that I am allowing God to use me for His purposes much more today than when years ago when I had more time.
I believe there are many "God moments" that never appear on a list and I will continue to ask God for a balance between total chaos and uninspired structure. So, at the end of the day, when I haven't yet conquered all the mountains, I can still look back over the day and say "ta-da" - with God's help I accomplished more than I expected.
The Proverbs 31 woman is known for keeping her household in order and her model is a lot to live up to, but I also would like to be known by the qualities of the widow in 1 Timothy 5:10, "well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds."
This week I pray you will keep your "to do" list realistic and allow God to inspire some unwritten "ta-da's".
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a recovering journalist trying to encourage others and glorify God through writing;
living the small-town life with husband Tim and sons Lincoln, 12, and Sawyer, 6;
completing a few put-off writing projects while using chocolate for therapy.
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