Because I’m a Wonder Woman, I have a lot going on. Maybe you can relate. On a regular basis, I wonder what’s most important in my life, my week, and my day. Should I be spending more time:
- in prayer?
- with my husband?
- playing with the kids outside?
- on homeschooling?
- keeping the house clean?
- making healthier meals?
- blogging?
- writing books?
- speaking?
- serving in my church?
- encouraging friends?
- reading classic books?
- volunteering in the community?
- playing tennis?
- recording memories in scrapbooks and video?
- learning about investing?
Unfortunately, the answer always seems to be YES. They all seem to be important, worthwhile activities. And although I have written about the JOY method for prioritizing my time, the truth is I still struggle on a daily basis with what’s important.
The Bible records the question of a man who was an expert in the law who wanted to test Jesus, but it’s a question I am asking in all sincerity. What’s most important?
36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a]38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b]40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:35-39)
I have discovered the power of asking a simple question of my bickering children. I don’t tell them what they said was wrong, against the rules, or punishable. I simply ask, “Was what you said loving?” The question has never failed to elicit an honest response. No matter how upset the guilty party is, there is a hanging of the head and a repentant, “No.”
What’s Most Important?
As I’ve struggled lately to determine which to-do’s are most important on my long list, I find that asking myself, “What’s the loving thing to do?” gives me clarity and peace. I look at my husband who’s wondering what’s for dinner while I try to improve my blog design and I know the loving thing to do. As I wonder how to increase my blog readership while quickly scanning others’ posts, I know the loving thing to do. I see my children playing ball outside while I fret about me, me, me, and I know the loving thing to do.
I’m finishing this blog post as I hear my husband and children making plans for active fun. I know the loving thing to do.
This is such a great question, Melanie. I wish I’d read this when the kids were little. I would love to have had that “Was that a loving thing to do?” question in my day to day interactions with the kids. You’re training them to think about loving others at a young age. I sometimes ask, “Who does God want me to love today?” when I’m making up my to-do list and it helps me clarify what to do each day.
Barb, I love your spin on it, too. Thanks so much for commenting. I’m glad we’ve gotten to know each other a bit online. I’m off to check out your latest blog post.
I love learning more about God’s love alongside you sister! Many blessings as you continue to take one day at a time! ~ Blessings, Amy
I think the busier we get, the tougher these prioritization decisions will get. There’s so much good stuff going on – it’s hard to filter it down to just the best. I think part of the problem is that we expect it to be easy, but the choices are tough.
Absolutely true. I’m excited about an upcoming post that bears on this issue. I’d love to hear what you think.