Our last post focused on beginning with Jesus. Today we will continue to learn how to prioritize! We will conquer our to-do lists by writing out each task and place them in order of “urgent matters” to “I’d like to get this done today but tomorrow will do.” Do not fall for the whole, “I have a great memory and this is too important to forget” trap that we fall prey to all too often! My mom used to always tell me when I would say I don’t have time for such-and-such that You Make The Time For What You Really Want To Do. The way we choose to manage our time reveals our priorities. So check that list and make sure that your priorities are ones that please our God. Your top priorities should always be your God, husband, children, and people. Wait, what? Did I skip over the cleaning, the making-money, Facebook, and Pinterest? You bet your perfectly plucked eyebrows I sure did! The fact of the matter is, people are more important than things. Take the time to call your grandma or your struggling friend. Take the time to smile at your neighbor, to hold the door open for the person behind you, to see this moment, this day, as the gift it is.
One important priority: Today’s Devotion
Read: Job 12:7-8
Consider: 1 Kings 19:11-12 says, “And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.”
I know what you are thinking, Jerri-Lynne, what does this passage of Scripture have to do with my priorities? Why, my dear one, I am so glad you asked! Are you ready? If you are too busy taking care of the tornado your home has become, the mountain of laundry, the volunteer work, all of which are very good things and need to be done - don’t get me wrong - but if you are too busy doing THINGS, you just might miss out on seeing your Jesus at work. Don’t miss out on the blessing of communing with your Savior.
The busyness of this world can definitely distract us from what we should be doing and Who we should be focusing on. We get caught up in running here and there, this task and that deadline, and before we know it, we have forgotten how to enjoy being in the moment. Our quiet time consists of watching tv, spending just a few more minutes on Facebook, or finding the perfect filter for that Instagram post. The group chats and email responses are not to be ignored either! But by getting caught up in the rush of our poorly prioritized to-do list, we miss a special blessing or opportunity to learn from this beautiful creation that the Lord has blessed us with. Job 12:7-8 reminds us that creation has much to teach us!
Psalm 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” Take a moment to be still. To look at our surroundings with new appreciation. Touch the bark of a tree, feel your hands in the soil, jump into a pile of leaves, splash in the puddles, find a cloud in the shape of a unicorn, and thank the Lord for this moment you have set aside to focus on Him and His creation.
One of my largest misplaced priorities I have been entangled with has been my phone. When my father in law was diagnosed with cancer it seemed that we were always checking our phones waiting to hear more news. Sometimes that caused me to miss out on a funny story one of my kids was trying to share with me. It can easily steal valuable time from my family, and from making precious memories with them. I really don’t want to look back and think I should have spent more time with my children instead of staring at my phone! Putting the phone away, going for a bike ride, jumping on the trampoline, inspecting ant hills, and laughing with my friends and family helps to keep me grounded, focused, and realize what is truly important. You do have time for that, and if you don’t, make it.
To-Do: Write out/Comment on what misplaced priority leashes entangle you today? How do you plan on reprioritizing your to-dos?
