Endless Chores and Clutter

By Andrea Merrell

I’m a list maker. Always have been. But sometimes I feel as if I’m about to be swallowed by my enormous list … much like the whale swallowed Jonah.

No matter how hard I try to get everything done, the tasks take on a life of their own as they multiply. There’s always more to do than time allows.

I love what Sarah Young writes in Jesus Calling:

Do not be weighed down by the clutter in your life: lots of little chores to do sometime, in no particular order. If you focus too much on these petty tasks, trying to get them all out of the way, you will discover that they are endless. They can eat up as much time as you devote to them. Instead of trying to do all your chores at once, choose the ones that need to be done today. Let the rest slip into the background of your mind so I can be in the forefront of your awareness. ~Jesus

Recently, I had a month where I was facing twelve appointments of various kinds (eye doctor, physical, tests, MRI, shots, blood work, etc.). Add to that my regular domestic responsibilities (bills, cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping) on top of several editing jobs with deadlines, then throw in two sets of out-of-town company (one of which stayed a week). I had no idea how to get through the month without a complete meltdown.

Then the Lord, in His loving and gracious way, invited me to take His hand and allow Him to walk me through each task, focusing only on one day at a time. I did only what had to be done each day and refused to think about the rest of the days ahead of me. It was amazing how smoothly those four weeks went, not to mention the peace that filled my heart.

I’ve learned that there will always be demands on my time, and some will scream louder than others. But God is concerned with everything that concerns me, right down to my to-do list. With Him by my side, I can accomplish more than I could ever imagine.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take His hand and let Him guide you. Allow Him to set your agenda. You, along with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit make an unbeatable team.

(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net, 89studio, and Stuart Miles.)

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God is concerned with everything that concerns me, right down to my to-do list. via @AndreaMerrell (Click to tweet.)

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Seize the Day

By Andrea Merrell

Jesus said to another, "Follow me."

He said, "Certainly, but first excuse me 

for a couple of days, please. 

I have to make arrangements for my father's funeral."

Jesus refused. "First things first. Your business is life, 

not death. And life is urgent: Announce 

God's kingdom!" Then another said, 

"I'm ready to follow you, Master, but first excuse me

while I get things straightened out at home."

Jesus said, "No procrastination. No backward looks.

You can't put God's kingdom off till tomorrow. 

Seize the day."  

Luke 9:59-62 MSG

Someone recently asked if I was faithful to do things on God’s timetable, according to His schedule, rather than my own. The question made me stop and think of all the things God has placed in my heart and instructed me to do. Have I done them?

Well … I intend to.

We all know the drill. When we’re especially busy, it’s easy to procrastinate. We put things off until we feel better, finances improve, the kids go to college, or a gazillion other reasons.

It’s been said we judge others by their actions while we judge ourselves by our intentions. Analyzing my mental to-do list, my intentions are great. My follow-through? Not so much. The question I have to ask myself is this: If God has something specific for me to do and I procrastinate, am I being disobedient. Probably not in all cases, but sometimes there is only a small window of opportunity. When I don’t respond quickly, I can miss a blessing or the chance to bless someone else.

We all have excuses. When Jesus said, “Follow me,” He was met with all sorts of excuses. One man wanted to wait until he made funeral arrangements, while another wanted to take care of things at home. Jesus had other plans and all He asked for was trust and obedience.

I am a creature of habit and live by my to-do list. But I’ve found that when I surrender that list to the Lord and allow Him to order my steps and arrange my day, He blesses me in supernatural ways and creates divine appointments that are amazing and wonderful. That’s when I know I’m on the right path, fulfilling my God-given calling.

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When a God-opportunity knocks, don’t put it off. Seize the day. (Click to Tweet.)

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(Photos courtesy of morguefile.)