My Crisis To-Do List
Philippians 4: 6-7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
I saw a poster that read, “I can only help one person at a time. Today is not your day! And, tomorrow doesn’t look good for you either!” Can we all relate, especially as this busy Christmas season approaches? Honestly, most days find me on one side or the other of this statement. Somedays, I’m the one muttering this under my breath at those pulling at me so hard that I feel like a Stretch Armstrong. (And if you don’t know what this is, ask someone who birthed a son in the early 80’s.) Other days, I’m on the receiving end of this statement, desperately needing assistance and finding it impossible to obtain.
Whether it’s tackling a mountain of laundry, making an emergency grocery store run for milk only to return home with everything but milk, opening the door to totally unexpected house guests, or battling a pesky mouse in the house, our to-do list is a mirage that stretches endlessly in front of us. About the time we think we are caught up, the finish line plunges ahead in the distance and off we go chasing it feeling as if we are the coyote in the never ending, never winning pursuit of the roadrunner.
I can only envision my Heavenly Father looking down on me and shaking his head with a sigh saying, “Have you forgotten my word, child? I don’t want you to stress over this. Give it all to me. Be grateful when you ask me and get ready for me, because I will turn your stress into peace. You won’t understand how I can do it. And you won’t be able to do it without me. But, your precious heart and mind can be stilled by my power. Then, you can find the time to think about the good things I have given you, the virtuous and pure things in life. Because, I am the God of Peace.” (paraphrased from Philippians 4:6-8)
So, perhaps while folding that mountain of laundry, instead of stressing, I can thank my Father for the loved ones in my life. While shopping, once again, the aisles of the grocery store, instead of fuming over the time it takes, I can ask God to bless each passing shopper with His peace. When my unexpected guests arrive, instead of panicking, I can great them with open arms, understanding I may be entertaining angels unaware. (Then quickly go and clear a path to the guest room.) And when that pesky mouse makes his presence known all over my floor, I can pursue him with a “Remember the Alamo” determination, all the while thanking God that I have food in my house.
Dear Father, I am grateful that my current situation is not my final destination, and that what is weighing me down is actually not even mine to carry. The burden is yours. Help my heart and my mind rid itself of my anxiousness and in its place, find Your peace in the midst of my crisis to-do list. Help me to realize that with your peace, my today and my tomorrow can look very good!
Blessings on your week,
Rita