Tracey Holland

Our lists begin to grow into worry. Worry about how it will all get done. Worry of forgetting something that is important.

Today’s stressors seem to multiply by the minute. There is always more to do and less time to do it in. We rarely feel the peace of being caught up.

As soon as the majority of the Post-It notes have crossed out items on them, I begin to recreate a neater one (or two). If this was just a re-written list that was more legible, that would be great. However, my new lists just add more that needs to be accomplished.

I seem to miss out on the sense of accomplishment that comes with conquering a LIST.  No wonder I think of it as a 4-letter word!

Do you ever catch yourself having these thoughts…

•  Why do I write these?
•  Will they ever end?
•  Am I really more organized by using them?

I do; all the time. And the stress builds, overwhelms and even paralyzes. Some days, I don’t know where to begin.

I need to find that pause button. It must be buried on my desk somewhere. Being intentional about slowing down the pace of life makes a huge difference in my attitude and perspective.

Being still, although hard to do for a multitude of reasons, is a necessity.

In this gap, I decided to take my lists to God. Surely, He could handle them. He would tell me what to do and how to do it, right?

My prayer was short and simple.

Lord, please help me organize and prioritize my lists. I don’t know where to start. The lists are beyond me and I am  overwhelmed. Please give me direction and show me where to start.

I put the pencil down and closed my eyes. As I began to wait on Him for an answer, thoughts of doubt entered my mind.

Did He hear me? He must be busy with greater problems. To Him, this must be nothing. Or did I overwhelm Him too? Great…maybe I should have just handled this myself!

Then this still, small voice began to speak in my spirit: “You look to me. I will set your priorities.”

What? Focus on Him and forget my lists? I can honestly say I never thought about that.

But, as the day went on I did feel more peaceful. I put the list aside and made a conscious effort to look to Him.

I do remember working on something that day, but I don’t remember what it was. It wasn’t nearly as important as the lesson.

What would happen if you slowed the pace of the day to give Him time to be heard above all the noise?

Might you find the courage to abandon your list…just for a day?

Click here if you would like to go deeper in reflection.