Photograph Credit: Flickr (Addison Berry)
In seasons of busyness when I am weary, taxed, and tired, creating a plan takes too much energy. Surrounded by a hungry family, attention-seeking children, piles of laundry, the phone ringing, appointments to keep, and blog posts to write, I really just want to crawl into bed and rest. However, I am mom, and my family needs me to care for them. With a prayer for strength, I proceed without a plan by doing the next thing.
What needs to be done? The answer to this question is what guides my actions. Operating with a To-Do list would be my optimum preference. But in seasons of exhaustion, I concentrate on the top priorities. The other items can wait until after I get some rest and life settles down.
If this sounds hard to you, I understand. Having stressed myself to illness over keeping everything clean, organized, and in its place, I am still learning that life is more than a clean house. My little ones need more than a clean house. Though I still work hard to keep my household clean and running smoothly, there are seasons of intense busyness. In those times, I am learning to let the little things go, and concentrate on the top priorities. For me, those items are meals, time with my children, and completing the next immediate task at hand.
As I overlook the scattered toys in the hallway, the mound of dishes in the sink, and pile of newspapers and mail on the counter, I know I will get to it. That time might not be today or tomorrow, but those items will not be there all week. In continuing to work on the top priorities, I complete one task and then move on to do the next thing. Before long, those scattered toys, mound of dishes, and pile of mail are getting addressed as my house gets back in order.
Seasons of busyness may overtake you, but by doing the next thing in order of priority, you can operate without a detailed plan. Those household chores will be waiting for you after your little ones receive food, clothing, and comfort. In using time wisely during seasons of busyness, keep your priorities in check and do the next thing.
Question: How do you forge through a season of busyness? Please add your answer to the comments.