How many got everything done in the last seven days that they needed to? Any projects left incomplete or not even started? Any assignments shoved to the side because of the urgent? Any conversations, calls or visits that were overlooked? For each of us there was likely at least one thing if not more, in the last seven days that didn’t get accomplished or even started that we intended would be. Now there is probably room to have a discussion with some about the need for more self discipline, organization or better time management but for now look at it from another angle.
So many of us live our lives as if the secret purpose is to somehow get everything done. We stay up late, suffer from insomnia, get up early, get sick, avoid having fun, and often keep the ones we care about most waiting, due to those things that we just “have to” get done. Sadly, I've seen many people who put off their loved ones so long that the loved ones lose interest in maintaining the relationship. This is especially true when it comes to children but can happen just as easily with a spouse.
Often, we convince ourselves that our obsession with our “to do” list is only temporary. We conclude that once we get through the list, we'll be calm, relaxed, and happy. But in reality, this rarely happens. As items are checked off, new ones simply replace them.
The nature of our “in basket” is that it's meant to have items to be completed in it. It's not meant to be empty. There will always be phone calls that need to be made, projects to complete, people to see and work to be done. In fact, it can be argued that a full “in basket” of things to do is essential for success. It means our time is in demand!
Regardless of who you are or what you do, however, remember that nothing is more important than your own sense of happiness and inner peace and that of your loved ones. If you're obsessed with getting everything done, you'll never have a sense of well being and relationships suffer! In reality, almost everything can wait. Very little in our lives truly falls into the “emergency” category.
We need to frequently remind ourselves that the purpose of life isn't to get it all done but to enjoy each step along the way as we learn what it means to live loved. When you die, there will still be unfinished business to take care of. Don't waste any more precious moments of your life regretting the inevitable. It won’t ever get all done!
Pretend that you have lived your last day and now you are looking back on it in hindsight. What would make you angry about how you lived your last day? What would you regret not doing? I think I would most regret not tending to those relational things that speak volumes about what it means to truly live loved.
Every morning when we open our eyes, we need to tell ourselves that this day is special. Every day, every minute, every breath truly is...a gift from God. The prayer on our lips should be to ask God that we would not fail to recognize the unique opportunities that we will have to make each day special. Truly, “this is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Ps. 118:24)
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