Seasons of life come and go. Some of these seasons flow in and out of our lives as gently and naturally as spring, summer, fall, and winter. We expect them; we know they’ll be coming. If they are seasons that we enjoy, we savor each moment. We do our best to get through the less desirable life seasons, but we are not shaken by them because we knew they were coming.
However, there are seasons that are thrust upon us by circumstance. As a Christian, I believe that God has a plan for everything that He allows into our lives. Each day is based on more than just fate or chance. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:”
I have realized that identifying my priorities is vital to thriving during the unexpected seasons of life. If I know what I MUST give my attention to during the day, I can focus my energy on those things first. Below is how my priorities look. I have simplified and generalized them for my personal standard and rule of practice. However, from day to day, I make a lot of more detailed lists.
1) Spend time on those I love
– God
– Family
– Those who are around me each day
2) Daily tasks/responsibilities
3) Everything else
When I keep my focus on doing what is necessary first, I typically end my days feeling more accomplished. On the flip side, when I let myself get distracted by the things that I WANT to do before I have fulfilled my important duties, I find that the day gets away from me. Before I know it, I’m ending the day feeling frustrated and like I haven’t done my best.
I’m thankful that God’s mercies are new each morning, because obviously every day doesn’t go as smoothly as I want it to. Sometimes things come up that are beyond my control. That’s when I have to remember to just keep doing my best. Colossians 3:23 – “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;”
Let’s face it: many of us have this fantasy that one day, when things are “just so”, we will feel unpressured and organized all the time.
If we just get this perfect planner, if we just had a better cooking space, if we just had more time…
But it’s a fantasy.
Slowly but surely, I am learning to “own” the seasons of life that God has given to me. If I’m always thinking about what would make life better, I will always be living in a dream land. So, priorities. Recognize them and work on them.
I’m a work in progress but prioritizing definitely helps me. I hope that this reminder helps you, too! Have a blessed day and get on that to-do list! ?
Yes…..I a slow learner…..but finally know where I have gone wrong. I have failed to plan and prioritize. Thanks for this reminder needed daily.