Smart Phone

 Photo by Patrick Tomasso@Unsplash

Now that I’m retired, I have almost endless amounts of time to do all the things I need and want to do, but often become so focused on one project nothing else gets done. Exercise is one thing that often falls to the wayside when I’m tired.

Following the philosophy to work smarter rather than harder, I broke chores into daily fifteen to thirty-minute segments, instead of the usual all day marathons. As I played with my phone calendar, I discovered a scheduling app. It creates a To Do List for me.

As it generated each list, it left ample time in between each project for variables and for rest in between. (Something I’m not good at.)

The other nice feature, it also reminds me it’s time for the next project or task with a soft chime, eliminating the need to look at the clock or set a timer. It also allows me to suspend a project to a later time, giving me flexibility when needed without having to redo my entire schedule.

The first day I tried out this new system, I was surprised how easy my day flowed. Not only did I fit in writing, painting, and exercise along with all my chores, I had time to sit outside on the porch swing with my husband, take a walk, even a nap if I wanted. But the most important thing, I wasn’t exhausted or stressed.  

I’m embarrassed to admit my phone is smarter than me.

Thank you, Lord, for smart men and women who invent tools to make our lives easier. Amen. 

Being Martha

Lately, I’ve been obsessed with my To Do List. It seems there are so many things I need to remember and rather than rely on my memory, I’ve been using Microsoft’s To Do. It’s been a great tool, except rather than releasing my mind to think of other things, the opposite has happened. I’ve added task after task.

Time management isn’t wrong. It is a useful tool until it becomes a fixation. Being a perfectionist, I tend to take it too far. It takes constant diligence to pull back and not let the list rule my life.

I remembered this meditation written by an Anonymous Author.  

Letter From a Friend

I am writing to say how much I care for you. I want you to know me better. When you woke this morning, I exploded a brilliant sunrise through your window, hoping to get your attention. But you didn’t even notice. Later, you were walking with friends, I bathed you in warm sunshine and perfumed the air with flowers. Still you didn’t notice me. So I shouted to you in a thunderstorm and painted a beautiful rainbow. You didn’t even look! Tonight, I spilled moonlight on your face and sent a cool breeze to refresh you as you slept. I watched over you and shared your thoughts, but you were unaware of my presence. I hope you will talk to me soon. When you’re ready, I will be near. I love you very much.

Your Friend,

Jesus

I am not quite this blind yet and pray I never become so engrossed in my tasks I fail to notice God’s hand in my life.

Meditation is a valuable exercise for spiritual growth. I’ve found a beautiful method to introduce a prayerful pause to my day. With practice, I can keep my eyes on God, viewing my tasks as serving others rather than pridefully checking off each accomplishment.

Thank you, Lord, for providing so many beautiful ways to acknowledge your presence in my life. Amen. 

Enjoy! 

Life Without a To Do List

I used to be a serious planner, making not only daily To Do Lists but also contingency plans for every possibility. I spent more time planning than any other activity. They were my last thoughts at night, fine tuning and revising, repeating with paper and pencil in the morning. On busy days I told people I’d gone from Plan A, past Plan G, and beyond.

Some planning is necessary, but not to the depth I had taken it. It was an attempt at control, an illusion that If I planned it, I could control the outcome. My plans had become idols. I thought more of them than anything else, even prayer.

The Juggling Act vs. The Wish List

So, how did I do this week with my attempt to balance my life? Well, the it resembled the picture to the left, there won't be any talent agencies offering me a contract for my juggling abilities. Out of all the balls I tossed into the air, I manage two phone calls to family and only made it out to the glider once - for about five minutes. 

What black hole is sucking up my time? After more reflection , I think I've discovered culprit No.2 - age. ( seeThe Wish List for Culprit No.1).

Yep it's age. When my kids were still young, I dreamed about all the time I would have after they were grown. Then, my dad burst that bubble. "You won't have any extra time after the kids are gone, because it will take you twice as long to do everything."

Guess what? Now that I have reached that same age bracket, I have to admit he was right, and that is something I fail to account for in my To Do Lists and my Wish Lists. When making those lists,  I feel invincible  with more energy than the Eveready Bunny, until I actually start doing the things on my list.

Okay, so what do I do now? I need to do something because I am falling further and further behind and becoming more frustrated. Should just accept the fact I can't do it all and just let it all go? The selfish part of my ego is screaming, no, terrified the things left off the list will be the ones I want to do the most. Is there any hope?