Don’t you wish, former procrastinators, that decisions about what’s essential and follow through action were simple! Instead, they can be tangled and messy. It’s worth it to persevere, even if we think we do it poorly.
Definition and application
Priorities are the most important things for us to do, a limited number of essentials. We establish routine in order to respect and accomplish priorities. Priorities are the bowling pins we want to knock down at the end of the lane. Routines are bumpers that keep our ball in the lane so we hit the pins.
I think of priorities and routine in two major applications: 1) regular functions for managing daily life, and 2) deep desires we want to pursue because we believe God is calling us to something. If the Spirit directs, we can work on both.
Discerning
We determine our priorities by seeking God. Priorities are not just what appeals to us or what seems the most pressing. Everything on our do list is not a priority. Where does His Spirit want us to concentrate most? Read to my elderly friend? Direct the cantata? Priorities come in all shapes and sizes. Consulting with our husband or friend can provide perspective. Pray, remembering these:
- The loudest noisemaker may not be a priority; the quietest idea might be.
- Activities do not equal priorities though there may be overlap.
- You can facilitate some things that you cannot make happen. Your part can be a priority even if it doesn’t bring about the whole aim. (Helping your child learn to read, praying for a friend’s salvation.)
- Include rest, play, margin.
- Everything on your do list is not a priority
Organization
“Priority” means one. How many Number One Most Important things can we have? But actually, we do have several essentials going at once – feed the children, earn a living, see the doctor, etc. To deal with this, I organize my general do list in the same categories every week. Personal Growth/ Family/ Household/ Friends/ Procrastination/ Discipleship. I assign each item to a day. Some get a time on the clock. I star the few priorities. If I do nothing else but those, I have done well and walked more closely with the Spirit.
Routine
Discern, then do. To insure I act on priorities, I build them into a routine. Otherwise, they fall away and become “wishes.” Each morning – Bible reading and prayer, Tuesday – women’s Bible study, Wednesday – scripture memory check. Thursdays, maybe you sew. First Monday, maybe you pay bills. Homeschool and employment require their own set of priorities and routines. Our schedules should reveal that we focus where our contribution is most important.
Our limitations throw us on God for discernment of priorities and strength to carry them out. We can be confident that focusing on a few essentials results in accomplishment and relief.
When will you clarify your priorities with your friend or husband?
These are very helpful topics! I will make sure to reorganize my priorities by categories!
Hope you find it useful!