I skipped my to-do list today.
It was a long one too.
–Items to purchase.
–Errands to run.
–Packages to mail.
–Appointments to schedule.
If you know me, you know I like to cross things off my to-do list.
But I was invited to a spur-of-the-moment lunch. Often on Mondays I join this beautiful group of women for lunch after our weekly meeting together, but today’s was unplanned. I chose to skip my list to spend time in their presence.
I’m glad I did.
Even though I didn’t receive the satisfaction of crossing things off that list this afternoon, what I did receive was so much more. Three hours later (Yes, three hours!!), I walked out of the coffee shop with a lift in my step and a sense of renewed joy. It was just what this girl needed.
We share our lives over our lunches. As we do so, we learn how we can pray for one another. We link our hearts together, with our imperfections and all, as we share the common bond of love in Jesus.
We laugh. We shed tears. We encourage one another, and spur one another on in this life. We can be real with one another, without judgment or condemnation.
We do life together.
Being in their presence is worth skipping the to-do list for.
We all have these lists, don’t we?? Especially this time of year.
Things to do. Deadlines to meet. Presents to purchase. Decorations to hang. Packages to mail. Cards to write. Our list can be long. And it can change from day to day.
But sometimes we need to forego the to-do list, to spend time doing what’s more important. To do what’s priceless, and what’s going to matter for eternity. To invest in another’s life. To plant seeds that will produce an abundant harvest in someone’s heart. And to take time to refuel, recharge and renew our joy.
What’s the thing, or person, or event in your life that’s worth putting off the to-do list for? What is tugging on your heart to do that’s not on your list? Who is coming to mind who may need your presence in his/her life today? What is your heart longing for?
May I encourage you to forget the list and follow that tug, just for today. Friend, yes, the list is important, but it’s not the most important. It will wait until tomorrow, but sometimes the most important won’t.
I wonder how I’d be feeling tonight if I would have turned down that lunch invitation today. Sure, I’d feel pretty good about having my to-do list completed and empty. But I imagine my heart would be feeling just as empty as my list.
I’m thankful I chose the important over the to-do list.
May we mindful of this the rest of this Christmas season, and give ourselves the freedom to skip the list when necessary.
Praying for us all today,
Julie
It’s a joy to link up with two incredible women Holley and Meredith.
What a lovely and insightful post!
My to-do lists have been whittled down to the essentials – what it takes to keep the dog sanctuary going, what it takes to keep my morale up, and simple survival. Everything else is optional now.
But through all of this there is something of grace and hope. Each step is a small victory, and I mean that literally – one foot in front of the other.
Please forgive the awkward phrasing tonight. I’m not doing too well, but I am here.
Praying the Lord will give you strength and joy as you take each step, Andrew. God bless you!
Your last four words struck me, Andrew. “But I am here.” Sometimes that’s all we need is to be “here,” to be present, to be alive. Sometimes that is the greatest gift of all. Thanks for sharing and for being “here.”
“Forget the list and follow the tug.” Love that, Julie. The joy of follows the Spirits leading and being in tune with His plans over ours! Glad to meet you here at Holley’s. Blessings!
Hi Tiffany! Welcome! And thank you for stopping by and sharing. Amen to your comment! Blessings to you as well.
A good word, Julie. It’s sad that so much surrounding this celebration of Christmas fills us with a sense of hurry and busyness. Yet Christ came to give us peace and freedom. I’m guilty of spending way too much time thinking and doing those things that don’t really matter. Thank you for this inspiration to take time to spend time with the people in my life–my family, my friends, the stranger that God sends in my path. Thanks, sweet friend, for helping me get my day started with the right focus. Love you!
I believe God gives me what to write through what I need to be reminded of so often. This is a perfect example. I’ll be praying for you to take that time to spend with those who matter most in your life, and even the stranger on your path. I continue to appreciate your timely encouragement, friend. You bless me more than you know. Much love to you!
Julie, I loved this —> “I’m thankful I chose the important over the to-do list.” I so want to make the right choice in the coming days. It is then I will find myself thankful & not regretful. What an important reminder during this most busiest of seasons! Blessings!
Joanne, I need this reminder daily, as the list stares me down. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your encouraging heart. Praying for us all this season. Blessings to you!
As a mom, it’s easy to put doing things *for* my family ahead of spending time *with* them. Thanks for this reminder of how much they need my presence!
Oh, Susan, you are so right. Great perspective. So glad you shared it here. Spending time with our families is so much more important!
Yes, I have a list today. 🙂 I skipped Friday’s list due to a migraine and you know what? The world didn’t end and the stuff got done. I am guilty at times of seeing things that come up as a nuisance instead of a blessing. That needs to change!
Sarah, I’m guilty of that too. Thank you for sharing! You have migraines too? They certainly aren’t fun, and I’m glad you skipped the list to take care of yourself. May you have a blessed week, friend!