I really appreciated this post, Michele. I spend way more hours on the computer than I like, and it's not playing games or scrolling the net. Just so many people important to me to keep up with. Yet what I long for is more time to work around the house, cook and bake and make things as a service to others. I love how you put it: " these are all embodied tasks that keep me close to the people I love and close to the quiet life I so easily lose touch with when I’ve said “yes” to too many things." Thank you!
Oh, I am breathing a LOUD “me too!” Social media is not entertainment for us—and in some respects, it’s not even optional, so we get tired of it all and just want to have a real conversation with awkward pauses and a real face in the same room. I think most of my friends would even let me fold laundry while we talked without being offended…
I find it surprising in this stage of my life that it’s better to focus on one thing at a time. And to think, I used to feel accomplished if I’d had a good multitasking day.
I completely agree. Mindful investment in the completion of one project—or soulful investment in one person—certainly weighs more in heaven’s economy than a whole pile of check marks.
I can't can plum jam while doing much else or else I get burned. It's relaxing to my brain to only do one thing but it goes against the grain to do so. I'll pray for your retreat. That photo!
Debi just like you I have a closed fracture in my ankle also . It is so hard to accept others help when I am usually the care giver. Trying to do some yard work with a cane and my unstable foot. PRAYING we both find healing and looking for joy and being grateful each day.
Linda, this is so hard. You and Debi are in a wilderness season, something we never volunteer for. Trusting along with both of you that God will use this time to “humble you, to test you, and to show you what is in your heart.”
Michele Blessings to you for these kind words and so grateful for God's grace and answered prayers. Drs appointment went well healing by the grace of God and able to do some weight bearing but missing my outside time with God and spirit doing lawn and garden tasks.
I’m so ready to get busy. I broke my ankle on July 4th and today I will go back to the Dr. for my 6 week check-up. Oh how I miss “minding my own affairs” while my humble and kind husband is doing it all for me. I’m grateful for his help. My hands are fine to do the work, but my foot won’t let me get there.
You are experiencing a hard curriculum right now, Debi. I am so sorry about your injury and I imagine that the claustrophobia of your healing process must be frustrating. Trusting along with you and Linda W. for a thorough recovery.
Thank you for sharing these timely words. It is so easy to "get busy" doing so many things, even church things and end up doing things in your own strength and with attitudes far from pleasing to God.
Yes! We’re encouraged by well meaning people to multitask and “fulfill our mission and our goals,” but it’s so crucial that we stay connected to the basic care of our souls.
Thanks for reading and for taking time to share your thoughts.
I really appreciated this post, Michele. I spend way more hours on the computer than I like, and it's not playing games or scrolling the net. Just so many people important to me to keep up with. Yet what I long for is more time to work around the house, cook and bake and make things as a service to others. I love how you put it: " these are all embodied tasks that keep me close to the people I love and close to the quiet life I so easily lose touch with when I’ve said “yes” to too many things." Thank you!
Oh, I am breathing a LOUD “me too!” Social media is not entertainment for us—and in some respects, it’s not even optional, so we get tired of it all and just want to have a real conversation with awkward pauses and a real face in the same room. I think most of my friends would even let me fold laundry while we talked without being offended…
I find it surprising in this stage of my life that it’s better to focus on one thing at a time. And to think, I used to feel accomplished if I’d had a good multitasking day.
I completely agree. Mindful investment in the completion of one project—or soulful investment in one person—certainly weighs more in heaven’s economy than a whole pile of check marks.
There is a popular calypso song called - Drink Water and Mind My Business. This post embodies that sentiment and its a good thing.
I'm not sure what I'm doing but I'm minding after MY business without being too busy.
Love the title and intend to look for the song. It really does represent what my focus needs to be.
I can't can plum jam while doing much else or else I get burned. It's relaxing to my brain to only do one thing but it goes against the grain to do so. I'll pray for your retreat. That photo!
Prayers are greatly appreciated! And I think you are wise to resist the urge to multitask.
This week: 14 dozen cookies, two birthday cakes, and one cake for a party. Yes, I love having tasks that keep my hands busy!
I’m imagining the people in your life salivating whenever they hear your voice or see your face! Bless your busy hands!
Debi just like you I have a closed fracture in my ankle also . It is so hard to accept others help when I am usually the care giver. Trying to do some yard work with a cane and my unstable foot. PRAYING we both find healing and looking for joy and being grateful each day.
Linda, this is so hard. You and Debi are in a wilderness season, something we never volunteer for. Trusting along with both of you that God will use this time to “humble you, to test you, and to show you what is in your heart.”
Michele Blessings to you for these kind words and so grateful for God's grace and answered prayers. Drs appointment went well healing by the grace of God and able to do some weight bearing but missing my outside time with God and spirit doing lawn and garden tasks.
I’m so ready to get busy. I broke my ankle on July 4th and today I will go back to the Dr. for my 6 week check-up. Oh how I miss “minding my own affairs” while my humble and kind husband is doing it all for me. I’m grateful for his help. My hands are fine to do the work, but my foot won’t let me get there.
Those green beans look delicious too.
You are experiencing a hard curriculum right now, Debi. I am so sorry about your injury and I imagine that the claustrophobia of your healing process must be frustrating. Trusting along with you and Linda W. for a thorough recovery.
Thank you for sharing these timely words. It is so easy to "get busy" doing so many things, even church things and end up doing things in your own strength and with attitudes far from pleasing to God.
Yes! We’re encouraged by well meaning people to multitask and “fulfill our mission and our goals,” but it’s so crucial that we stay connected to the basic care of our souls.
Thanks for reading and for taking time to share your thoughts.