“Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.”
― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Has experiencing a slower pace, home-cooked meals, fewer places to be, more time in prayer and God’s Word, and quality time with family given you freedom and peace?
Or has it just made you appreciate getting to go out to dinner? I know I can’t wait for that treat again!
Reflect on the changes you’ve noticed in yourself over the past several weeks. Take a minute to assess and consider these changes.
Reassessing our priorities as we move back into routine will be of utmost importance. This is our “sign post moment” — a time when we will look back to where changes began.
How will you assess what will remain a part of your routine and priorities vs. what needs to be eliminated?
First, realize that God made only one YOU, to be on this earth for this time. What would it look like to be your “best self?” – Start there.
Second, how can you free yourself by saying no – even if only for a season? Saying no to good things to make room for better things is necessary sometimes. This is especially true when you know God is calling you into something new.
When I was raising my four boys, I knew I had that one season to pour into them, train them up, be involved, and do my best. I wanted to look back on that season of parenting and have few regrets, if any.
A wise mentor mom told me back then something I will never forget: “You can’t raise roses and kids at the same time. One will live and the other won’t. Take your pick.”
There are reasons for seasons. The Bible teaches us in Ecclesiastes 3:1, “There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under the heavens.”
I quickly learned that over-committing caused stress, a short temper, and less than my best. As four boys quickly became busy and active, we let them choose one sport or activity outside of school and one church activity per week. This caused them to prioritize, and our family didn’t run as crazy. We made dinners around the table a priority most nights of the week.
Stephen R. Covey says, “The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”
How will you prioritize during the season you are in right now? Whether you are a young married, a mom raising up a family, a new empty nester, or a grandma in retirement, we all have choices.
Maybe you’ve taken up a new workout routine, walking, Face-Time with distant friends, or trying new recipes. What would you like to keep as part of your new normal routine?
Consider saying no to another new series on Netflix to free up time for things you’d like to include, such as reading, a bubble bath, a walk, or time with a friend.
Consider making a list of priorities, a yes list; also consider a no list of things you will steer clear of.
Here’s an example of my yes list.
My Yes priorities:
* My relationship with Christ – continuing to grow and transform as a disciple of Christ, keeping Him the center in my life, through prayer, Bible study, worship, and service.
*My marriage – maintaining intimacy and connection with a passionate spark, mutual love and respect, compassion, and endurance.
* My family – loving, nurturing, supporting, and guiding them, while spending quality time with them as often as possible.
*My Health – take care of my health – eating well, exercising, resting, living balanced.
*My speak/writing/reading – sharing my stories of God’s faithfulness, and my experience on marriage and family, while taking time to read and study.
*My friendships – maintaining authentic friendships with my close circles.
*My mentoring – mentor others/being mentored (Titus 2:3-5)
My No Priorities (what I will say no to):
*Draining, one-sided, or shallow friendships
*Meetings at night that take me away from my husband and family, except occasionally
*Making my bed every day
*Doing my make-up and hair, while working at home a couple days a week.
* Good things and opportunities that draw my attention away from my priorities (e.g., committees, activities, coffee dates, etc…)
*Making everything “perfect”
Challenge: Come up with your own list of yes and no priorities to guide you as you strive to become your “best self.”
What are some changes that you’d like to keep as part of your new routine? Please share and inspire others by commenting below!
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