Are you a list person? In a previous life I loved a good to-do list. Ticking off the boxes, crossing out the words, feeling that sense of accomplishment. Because once it’s crossed off, it’s done, right? {Insert delirious laughter here.}
At first it was difficult, motherhood, because I tried to hold onto my lists: the to-dos, the how-tos, the self-helps, the sermon-points… and I felt like I had to do it all. Check every box. Complete the formula, and then my child will sleep through the night. Then my house will be clean and my days will go smoothly and God will be pleased with me and so will I.
Why did I think such lists – or rather my “perfection” – measured my worth?
Well, either list-loving caused some kind of chemical reaction in my brain, or I’ve swung to the other side of the pendulum {yet to find a healthy middle}, because these days I can’t come within ten feet of a list without getting nauseous. It could be the most profound truth in the universe, but if it’s got more than three bullet-points, it’s probably not gonna get read by this mama.
Sorry.
Fortunately my good Father knows me well and is graciously working within my limitations. One morning as I stared down the gauntlet of the coming season {school lists, schedules, meals, all the little things on top of all the big things}, I officially freaked out. But then I remembered a recent life-giving dream and wisdom from a friend, and began to breathe again.
And then I had the presence of mind to stop and ASK. Instead of worrying to myself, “Will He really give me ALL I need to get through this season?” I just asked the One who knows it all.
Lord, what do I need for this season?
And He answered sweetly:
My dear, this is all you need —
a love for your children,
a heart tipped toward me {like a jar with its mouth aimed toward the Lord},
and a daily filling, full to overflowing, of everything I have to give you for the day.
I am all. I HAVE all. All you need.
I sensed Him calling it a daily allowance of His goodness, grace, patience, kindness, strategy, understanding, joy, time, fun, creativity, endurance, organization, strength… whatever is needed.
Perhaps He’s saying this to other overwhelmed mothers too – because He knows we love our children, and He knows and He has exactly what we need for this day. Today. One day at a time, isn’t that how we all make it through? He knows what challenges we’ll encounter, what joys we might pass by if stress strings us too high or weariness bows us too low. He even gives the ability to receive all these new mercies.
Now this is a list I can remember! What freedom it’s giving me. Reminding me it’s His job not only to impart His gifts, but to know what I really need and deeply desire. And what is my job? Return to love, tip my heart-opening to His very nature, His very presence… and then open wide and receive, Isaiah 55-style. For free. Freely He gives. Oh, how He loves to fill us full to overflowing! Of course He has enough - He has MORE than enough even for the longest, hottest, hardest days of the year.
The only question is, how much of Him can I contain?
Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters. . .Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. . .For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. . .You will go out with joy and be led forth in peace. . . {from Isaiah 55}
Friends, do you need to abandon your to-do list and grab hold of his? How do you think his list for you will look differently than your own?
![Norris 0603]()
Rachel Norris and her good man Jay are life-long Tennesseans who value community, kindness and honor. Two boys and a girl, ages 7, 6 and 3, keep her young (or is it old?) and desperate for plenty of daily grace. Rachel loves to sew, is a proud Daughter of the American Revolution, and has a full set of Christmas china. So basically she’s a grandma trapped in a 37-year-old’s body! Helping Jesus turn ugly into beautiful is her deepest honor and joy. Encouraging women that there is always Hope, and longing for generations to love each other well – these are the things she ponders as she stays home carving out the way her children should go. Her definition of a life well-lived is to consistently Love the one in front of her, something she’s just beginning to learn. The deep-hearted confessions of this mother, friend, and seeker of joy and wisdom can be found at aheartmadebeautiful.com.
Rachel Norris and her good man Jay are life-long Tennesseans who value community, kindness and honor. Two boys and a girl, ages 7, 6 and 3, keep her young (or is it old?) and desperate for plenty of daily grace. Rachel loves to sew, is a proud Daughter of the American Revolution, and has a full set of Christmas china. So basically she’s a grandma trapped in a 37-year-old’s body! Helping Jesus turn ugly into beautiful is her deepest honor and joy. Encouraging women that there is always Hope, and longing for generations to love each other well – these are the things she ponders as she stays home carving out the way her children should go. Her definition of a life well-lived is to consistently Love the one in front of her, something she’s just beginning to learn. The deep-hearted confessions of this mother, friend, and seeker of joy and wisdom can be found at The post The Ultimate To-Do List appeared first on Grace for Moms.