Gettin’ ‘Er Done

Since my New Year Object Lesson this past January, I have been thinking a lot about time in different ways – mainly how much time I have wasted. But looking backward at life from my present perspective is not worth the effort. How I’ve spent my time in the past is a moot point. I can’t change much of anything. Or can I? And no, I’m not talking time travel here. (But wouldn’t that be cool!??!?!)

Oh, yes, I can change many things I’ve done in the past. I can try to repair what I’ve messed up. And I am determined to finish some things I’ve started and never finished. I have created a list a mile long of things I want to accomplish in the next two months.

My to-do list is so extensive, it means that some of my addictions like crossword puzzles will be a thing of the past. For the present anyway.

As I tried to prioritize my activities, I put cleaning windows high on the list. I did an experiment to see how long it would take to wash one set. I was surprised when I realized it took fewer than 10 minutes! That’s less time than it takes to do one crossword puzzle! And I will have something worthwhile to show for my time spent. Good choice.

Finding how little time it took to wash windows, I decided to test myself on cleaning up after dinner. (Total nerd!) The whole process – clearing and cleaning the table, rinsing the dishes, packing the dishwasher, cleaning countertops, vacuuming the dining and kitchen area and a quick mop job took less than 20 minutes! Very much worth my time!

Another project I’ve been working on is a crewel design of one of my favorite sayings. I’m fond of the piece because I went to the College of St. Francis. When finished, it will join a little statue on a shelf beside my recliner and a plaque featuring the most famous prayer of St. Francis. The stitchery has been a work in progress for over 30 years. It’s not that hard or large. I should have finished it within the first week I had it, but I set a whole new standard as the ‘Queen of Procrastination!’ But this time around, I am determined to get ‘er done! Time and its resulting activities have to be prioritized at this stage of the game. Being the crotchety old lady I am with a propensity to be a loner, I have to be careful to schedule time to be with people. Outside of family and a few friends, emotional investment in others takes a great deal of determination on my part. As I think on it, reaching out to others to show the love of God does seem to be a very valuable use of my time. (I’ll let you know how I do after a 6 hour bus trip and baseball game with a bunch of old people this Thursday! ARGH and double ARGH! Maybe I should ask for prayer backup on that one!)

One thing that has become an easy priority is Bible reading which I try to do early in the morning. That way, the rest of the day I can think on what I read. The study site I use, Enduring Word, helps clarify some of the things that are hard to understand and gives insight into the Scriptures’ daily application. As I wrote my blog and I thought on the prayer of St. Francis, I need to concentrate more on applying spiritual truth to everyday living.

I know I think crazy things, but linking time and accountability seems to be my musing for today. Here’s what I’ll be thinking on.

Jeremiah 17:10 NKJV  ‘I, the Lord, search the heart. I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.’

Colossians 4:5 ESV   ‘Walk in wisdom … making the best use of time.’

1 Corinthians 10:31   ‘Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.’

Psalm 90:12   ‘So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.’

Blessings

Kara Beth