Being diligent and not procrastinating lately, I thought I’d go crazy! Not because I put off procrastination, but because I was trying to do too much at once.
We don’t often get large blocks of time to work with, but this January presents me with that. To take advantage of it, I have two major projects to focus on – the room clean out and a ministry project. As of the last blog I was trying to do both projects at once – splitting my day between them. I was tense and “crazyfied”!
Time to revamp. The Lord brought two things to mind.
First, I recalled asking a friend how she managed to get so much done. She said she did one thing at a time. She was a wife, homeschooling mom, tutor, ministry coordinator, and more. But when “big special” attention was needed, she focused on just one thing – not two as I was trying to do.
Next, in the course of quiet time I read Matthew 6:24. “You cannot serve two masters.” The Lord made a special point about God and money. I also noted His point about split loyalties. Jesus is my Master, the One who deserves my loyalty. All my life comes under Him. I can count on Him to guide me. He did not put that heavy overload on me. I sensed His shepherding nudge to make a choice.
I decided to devote all of last week to the room cleanout. I could make it function well and not be a distraction. That would leave me two January weeks to concentrate on the ministry project without worrying about the room. I’ll return to more work there next month. Good plan. Imagine hearing your GPS “Recalculating…” – in a cheerful voice!
This past week, I was able to breathe and think while working. One day I had one hour for the project, one day only 10 minutes. Still, the end result was streamlined file drawers and four decluttered bookcases. I determined to clear out enough to make two empty shelves. I made over four! Walking free…! Putting on peace.
Life demands don’t stop because we have projects to do. We still have to walk the dog, feed the family, and put out fires. But with whatever discretionary time I have for a project, I’m learning to concentrate on one thing.
How does focusing on one thing help you?
I am happy to report that my two kitchen drawers are finished!
Thank you for “Recalcuting…” I needed to read this today because I am hosting my daughter’s 30th Birthday dinner this evening and with much to do and many things needing my attention I’m on the verge of becoming “crazyfied!”
One task only – a memorable Birthday dinner (the laundry can wait until tomorrow!).
Outstanding, Lynn! Now you can enjoy the party and the preparations! Smart.
A good decision, Lynn! And a great example for us. Have fun at the birthday party and preparing for it!