Allowing God to Order My Days

I tend to get-as my husband would say- "wrapped around the axle" about all that I try to accomplish. I am a worker bee. I like to get things done. I feel a sense of purpose when I have completed a task. I LOVE crossing things off my "to do" list! I believe I have inherited this trait from my hard working mom. She was always busy with many tasks. She has 6 children and 17 grandchildren (plus great-grandchildren!) and we have all kept her busy! She was also very active in the community and our church growing up. She used to joke that she had lists for her lists. I completely understand this as I have many lists, usually sorted by topic, or "To Do Now", "To Do Soon", and "To Do ASAP". I know, it's a bit over the top, right?! But it's who I am.

I find it difficult to maintain balance between homemaking tasks, homeschooling tasks, keeping up with family and community etc. I tend to gravitate toward doing really well keeping up in one area but then neglecting the rest. We are either having an amazing school day with many projects going, while the laundry doesn't get done and/or I am late in making dinner. Or I am on task with the house, everything is in order but we aren't having that great of a school day.

I have found that I feel like my kids are interrupting what I need to accomplish! (Don't judge me too harshly!) Remember, I said I feel a need to accomplish things and motherhood usually does not allow for that!! Recently I came across the photo below, posted by Sweet Kisses and Dirty Dishes.

 

Well if that didn't put me in my place! This is actually something my husband has been trying to get me to understand for years. It seems to come so naturally for him. He doesn't understand why I get so wrapped up in trying to do so many things; why I won't just focus on mothering. Our children ARE my work. They need to come first. But there is the lingering question of, "But what about all the other things? I can't just NOT do lesson plans, or grade work and pull my portfolio together, or many of the other thousands of things that really do need attention at times."

So one day recently, in a moment of complete frustration about all I couldn't get done that day, I put it all on paper. (yes, my life is a spreadsheet!) I listed all the things I feel like I need to do, under the categories of Homemaker, Homeschooler, Daughter/Sister/Friend, etc etc. (and don't forget personal prayer time, which without I am not a very good mama!)  This was a very general list of the basics, not too detailed. I offered it up in my prayer time and said, "Lord, I know you gave me plenty of time in my day, but I am not managing it to the best of my abilities. I am not using my time very wisely. I feel completely overwhelmed by all I feel I need to get done, and nothing seems to be getting done because of it. So I give you my tasks and ask you to order my day. Show me and lead me in doing what YOU would have me to today." I cannot even express to you the freedom that came with giving it up, letting go and asking God to order my day. My days have been flowing more freely and without as much stress-on the days I do this! I find that I am getting things done in a balanced way and most importantly, feeling peace about what isn't getting accomplished. Tomorrow is another day!

Remember, I told you I claim no perfections! So please do not have an image of my days perfectly flowing while I have a peaceful, patient disposition. Life is still crazy busy and I am still overwhelmed, because there is a lot on my plate. However if I take the time to offer my day up to God it does work better.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

My grace is sufficient for you...2 Corinthians 12:9

Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, "The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in Him!" The Lord is good to those who depend on Him, to those who seek Him. Lamentations 3:23-25

With His Grace I will remember to seek Him first each day~
Gods Blessings,

Jen