In the rush and the hurry of everyday life, isn’t it curious all the little things that get left behind and not addressed. Be it writing notes or filing paperwork, how do we make time for these things and get them off our mind?
One way to motivate yourself to get things done is to make a list. Personally, I find that if I don’t know what I need to do, then when I actually have a pause and a break I’m not as efficient with my time as I could be. But when I make a list, I actually incorporate these little things into my day and make sure to do them!
And you want to know something funny, sometimes accomplishing the smallest things can be the biggest perk! It never ceases to amaze me what a relief it is to get those little things in the back of my mind off my list!
Pray for Guidance
In addition to the ongoing list of all the little things, I typically have a main goal that I have in mind accomplishing throughout the workday. Be it filing sales tax or updating bookwork, when the shop is quiet, that’s what I’m working on. But in the back of my mind are the odds and ends that I need to do. Clean the bathrooms, call the webhosting company, reach out to so-and-so about the upcoming meeting, etc.
And, as I’m sure is true for anyone, some days are particularly productive whereas others it is hard to get anything done, let alone extras! So each day, I love to start the workday with prayer. I ask God to guide me where He needs me. To bring people into the shops that we can encourage and serve well, and keep the evil and wicked away. Also to help me focus well on what He needs me to accomplish.
I got this idea from the prayer of Jabez in the Old Testament. Jabez asks God to be with him in all he does and for God to keep him from all trouble and pain. I thought that was bold of Jabez to pray for such protection. Then I realized we too could be so bold! If people are evil and hate God, I greatly appreciate God’s protection from them. And yet, I do feel that God sends us others who need encouragement and who we need to show God’s love to. I can rest confident that God knows who He brings through the doors at our shops!
Work While You Work
There’s a sweet poem from ages ago that goes something like this:
Work while you work
Play while you play.
This is the way
To be happy each day.
All that you do,
Do with your might.
Things done by halves
Are never done right.
I love the cheerful little reminder to be a good worker. I find that when I stay on track with whatever I’m supposed to be doing – be it writing, working, cleaning, resting, etc – that I am so much more satisfied with my efforts than when I am all over the place. All this to say, all the little things that you want to get done – be intelligent about what they entail. Work on the work related ones around and during work. Save the home and personal odds and ends for after work.
It seems to me that feeling fulfilled in life comes back largely to simply being intentionally where we currently are. Phew, that’s a mouthful! But think about it, when we intentionally focus where we are currently serving, we can accomplish so much more than if our mind is wandering. Perhaps this is just another real-life example of not being able to serve two masters.
All The Little Things
It seems to me, no matter how much I accomplish in a day, week, or year, I still have a collection of little things I want to get done. But instead of being discouraged about this, I actually find it fascinating – and you can too! I once read that creativity comes from God, and since God is limitless, that means creativity is unending! There will always be new discoveries, inventions, and creative ideas. And that thrilled me no end!
And perhaps that translates to real life lists of things to do. Be they odds and ends, bucket lists, or goals. When we serve a limitless God and look to Him for direction and guidance, He constantly fuels us with new ideas and new adventures! Isn’t that wonderful!
No matter what your days consist of, pray for God’s guidance. He loves to be involved in every detail of our lives! We must seek Him and invite Him in. I’m not exaggerating when I say I can tell a difference in the days when I specifically pray and others when I’m running behind and it slips my mind. Say a prayer and watch what He will do with your efforts!
So let’s make our ongoing lists of all the little things and let’s apply ourselves well. Eager to step into the adventures God has awaiting us! I pray this has encouraged you and given you a new enthusiasm for the life God has given you!
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. Keep reading: https://www.theamericanlady.com/2025/01/29/fresh-start/