Cassie
Good morning!
I was reflecting this morning on the way I live, and what I choose to spend my time doing.
I remember when I was a little girl, so much of what my mom would do would confuse me. Why are you so stressed about cleaning? I would say, It doesn’t matter. It’s just gonna get dirty again.
Now living in a student house, I totally understand my mom’s “need” to clean, for routine, and organization. I think living in the society we do, we can all agree that growing up involves building routines, learning to plan and strategize.
There’s merit to organization, certainly. But I don’t want these routines to be the basis of my life.
When we multitask our way through the sweetest parts of life, we miss the tiniest joys hidden in the moments between the grand accomplishments. It can feel like we’re all bustling around as busy bees, waiting for someone to tell us it’s okay to sit down. So here it is: free your hands. Lock your phone in a drawer (Emily Ley, Grace Not Perfection).
Here are some things I do a lot of that could be done less of to make room for more “Kingdom” things.
Writing agendas. I love lists, and I love being organized on paper. I’ll spend hours writing out plans, but more often than not, won’t glance at my agenda unless I’m writing in it.
Instead… When I choose to fill out a planner, I will pray in the midst, knowing my God knows my steps and is right with me. Also, spending more time focusing on others’ agendas and lives, and the way I can be of true service that does not involve my own plans.
Scrolling on social media. Recently so aware of this very activity being the most ultra waste of time, I’m catching myself each time I mindlessly scrolling through photos… or even across my phone’s home screen…
Instead… I will put my phone down and be alert in whatever I am ACTUALLY doing, which is always something better– even if it’s sitting silently, that means a perfect opportunity to talk to Jesus. I don’t want to get in a habit of numbing “boredom” with my thumb.
Sparknoting. I have Sparknoted the plot and theme details of more novels in university than I’ve completed entirely– and that’s just the necessity in being an English student.
Instead… whenever I truly do have time and I’m spending it Sparknoting, I’m going to spend as much of that time as possible actually reading first.
What do you do a lot of that you’re comfortable in that is actually stealing joy from your learning, your ability to love others, or your health? Your relationship with God? If nothing comes to mind, try praying about it, and trust God to lead you.
Psalm 90:12 Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
