So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:34
I was riding in a family member’s car the other day — with a cracked windshield! We’ve known about this for weeks, and I was surprised my family member hadn’t contacted the insurance company yet. I was lamenting to my mother that the windshield still isn’t repaired and she said, “Angela, you’ll never be caught up. There will always be things to do. Don’t worry, [family member] will get to it eventually.”
We’ll never be caught up… that’ll preach, as they say.
Friends, there are always things that need to get done. Tasks on the list, chores, calls to make, projects to complete. As soon as you think you’ve completed the list, something else pops onto it. Life is like one long game of Whac-a-Mole.
The accompanying scripture is a small part of a great story in the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus is talking to his disciples and repeatedly tells them not to fret. The birds of the air… the lilies of the field… they don’t worry and they’re doing just fine. Relax and trust God, Jesus says. Everything that needs to get done, will get done, in time.
Do what you can today, and don’t worry about leaving some things undone, they’ll get done tomorrow or the next day. Don’t think you have to finish all the tasks before you can rest, otherwise you’ll never rest in this life.
My friend has three lists: Oughta Do, Need To Do, and Want To Do. She pays attention to all three simultaneously, thus balancing her time between the obligations and necessities in her life, with the joyful pleasures.
May you find time to work and to play, being fully okay with the fact that there’s always more work to be done. But sometimes the faithful thing to do is to set it aside and enjoy this life that God has blessed us with.
Prayer Focus: For Those Who Are Trying to Get All the Things Done
Prayer: Sometimes a break looks like an extravagant vacation, sometimes it looks like a brief pause when we take the time to read a devotional. Thank you, God, for the constant reminder to set aside the tasks, and be present with you. May we heed your holy nudge. Amen.