Last night as I looked at my to-do list that had, mostly been marked through, I wondered how many times I’d repeated this task of list making. I am a list maker. Each day of my life, I write down what I’d like to accomplish and feel a sense of accomplishment when I cross it off. My list usually is longer than the day, so I have arrows beside some line items to move to the following day; but there is one item that is always at the top of the list:
Jesus.
In fact, if I could do a pre-printed list, His Name would be at the top.
I’m going to try to recreate yesterday…It may not be as easy as it sounds, because when I cross something off my list, I usually mark it out very well!
So, here goes (all items in parenthesis, are my today explanations of yesterday’s tasks):
Jesus
Shower
Breast Cancer Awareness breakfast with Linda (My friend and I planned to go to this meeting and breakfast together for over two weeks. The reality is, she didn’t get to come; but, some practical information was shared and I met some new friends! And Linda and I talked by phone the car ride home!)
Share a verse with Autumn (Yesterday when I was reading, I came across a great verse to encourage a young friend of mine and I want to share with her! I texted it to her pretty early and then wondered if I woke her up… She tells me at class later in the evening that she was already up; but I think she was just being kind to me. Is there a texting hour etiquette that I should know about? I am an early morning person!)
Whites
Darks (Two loads of laundry. Check.)
Cancel The Salesman’s appointment (Wished that I could take this one, because he had me to cancel his massage.)
Squash (Freeze the last of the spaghetti squash. Check.)
Water plants (this is quite a task – the back porch, the front porch, the new plants in the landscaping, the old plants that are calling for water.)
Work on resume (I am ready to go back to work and have a specific job that I am going to turn my resume in to, once it is complete! And working on a resume has become a task that has been on my to-do list for a week now. Every day I work on it, in some form or fashion. After today, I will re-read and print in the morning and take to the intended party. I think I hear angels singing!)
Prepare talk for class tonight about the next assigned book they are to read (I love to share; but there is that preparation part that is so important. So I sit at my desk and map out what I’m going to say and write down what I sense the LORD is saying to me. HE is always so good to me! Even though I’ve prepared, I fight thoughts throughout the day of what else do I need to say? What should I not say? What if I get sidetracked? What if…. You get it, right? Anyway, it went well and the director told the class that he wanted me to introduce his next book. Check.)
Consignment (Take my clothes and Victoria Leigh’s to drop off. Run into a very dear friend and just bask in her wisdom….oh my, she is a deep well. Talk with a church friend there too…sweet diversions to my day! Then take clothes consignment wouldn’t take to the KARM store. I also feel it necessary to report that I did not shop there – big accomplishment – I so enjoy thrift stores!)
Pay bills (Check)
Lowes (Bought a doorbell replacement button – with the helpful staff’s assistance. Perused; but did not buy new pull chains for the fan, because, who knew there were so many options?!? Went home and measured and moved this task to tomorrow!)
Grocery shop (Aldi and Wal-mart -and yes, I have a detailed list for the stores and pretty much stick to it except, I did buy the stinkin’ chocolate donut holes they were sampling last week. I did not look at the calories until I was in my vehicle – seriously 240 for three little holes… Why did I buy them?!? Why do I go to the gym?!? Where should I hide these?! The cashier today shared about coming into a season of caring for his father and he asked me to think about him in the process, I take this as an opportunity to pray for him and his family as they start to make decisions to care for his 88 year old father. Hallelujah! Check.)
Call the officer who took my statement after vehicle was hit Friday night (He called me back and then recommended that I go ahead and call my insurance company to start the claim process, which I did, which then led to a very long phone conversation and messages. Check.)
Call the insurance company regarding Victoria’s accident (She was hit by a truck – she is ok – but, I had to give my statement to the persons insurance company that was responsible for the accident. After this conversation, I had to scan and e-mail a police report. OK, I had to ask The Salesman to do that part for me. Check.)
Pick up walnuts (These things are raining down in the driveway and yard like dogs! What kind of statement is that?!? Well, anyway, the walnuts are every where and somehow, I’ve taken it upon myself to try to pick all of them up every day. Maybe got 200 plus today… Will have to do again tomorrow too!)
Workout with personal trainer (Then get dressed in record breaking time to head to next event! Getting ready at the gym before class is sometimes hysterical – especially if I forget something important… Check. And I resisted talking to a friend I hadn’t seen in awhile because I needed to get to class.)
Present book at class (check)
Class (There was a tangible presence of GOD at class tonight. Three hours of class and I head home. Now on the drive home, I talk to the LORD. I tell HIM all about my day and my thoughts… HE listens to every word. HE never interrupts my rambling. HE takes it all in. I feel so much better when I arrive home to a barking puppy! After I get home, I call my oldest daughter and we hash and re-hash my resume. I am going to print it tomorrow!!! Share with The Salesman our thoughts on class tonight. Check.)
There are parts of my day that aren’t on my list – phone calls and text messages, friends stopping by, visiting, listening, enjoying the leaves and beauty of creation, TJMaxx, checking social media, making a list for the next day, etc. Well, there you have it – a day in my life. Looking forward to getting to know you!
Linda Stoll says
It's amazing how our to-do lists morph and grow. I love how Jesus is at the top of your list.
What a great prompt for me this morning. I'm reaching for my pen and pad right now. Thanks so much for this gentle reminder, Lora …
Jerralea says
Whew! And I thought my day was full!
Two things I loved about your day – putting Jesus at the top – and through out each part of your day, and the fact you ministered – and received – from people you came in contact with all day. I truly believe that is what is most important to the Lord.
I'm also wondering how you are going to fit a job into all this! I say that lovingly because of course I'm fitting a job into my day as well. It's only through Jesus we can do all we do!
Thanks for sharing at The Loft!
Christine Malkemes says
Oh Linda! Thank you for letting me in on your day! I enjoyed walking and your shoes and have come to love you EVEN more. You're a treasure walking….