I know I talk a lot about my faith & a lot about being productive, but I think it’s easy to forget that those 2 things should combine in our daily lives. If we call ourselves Christians but our work/productive life is totally separate from our faith, then something is off. I was reminded of this a few weeks ago when I was writing a blog post on prayer. It’s so easy to go to God in prayer over the big things…the good, the bad, the ugly things, but so often, we forget to go to Him over the little things…like our individual days or tasks.

I am absolutely guilty of this. I pray over the big issues but forget to give Him even the little things of my day. I sit down in the mornings & make my to-do list & schedule out my day on my own terms without even considering how God would want me to handle my day. I sit & stress over the number of things I need to get done instead of taking them to God in prayer. When I feel overwhelmed by my responsibilities I begin to shut down instead of going to God for encouragement, perseverance, & strength.

While my main goal this year is to simplify my life so I can focus on what God asks me to do, I think it will also be to daily hand God my schedule & to-do list. I wonder how many days I could’ve lived with less stress & more joy had I done this before. If we constantly construct our days to fit our control without leaving margin for God & His plans for us, how can we say we are actually living for God. While I will still make my daily lists & schedule, I will not allow my feelings or value be determined by how many things I will cross off. Instead of being limited by what’s next on my schedule I will be free to follow after Christ. Instead of being crushed by the weight of all the bullet points, I will pray, my heart will be light, & I will work to glorify the Lord.

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” – Colossians 3:23-24

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24

Be blessed, friends.