I (Jackie) first came across Emily’s writings a few years ago at our church’s monthly Mom2Mom meetings where she would briefly share her thoughts on different motherhood topics in a newsletter. Her wisdom, wit, and honesty have always been an encouragement to me through the many different seasons of life we experience as women. I look forward to publishing more of these “Tidbits” from Emily and over the coming months and hope you enjoy them as much as I have!
I wish I was good at managing my time. I have every intention of filling my days with cleaning, cooking, caring for my children, starting house projects, organizing clothes—the list goes on and on. But my days hardly ever go the way I plan. I always intend to get up earlier than my kids so I have time for a cup of coffee while I read my Bible and pray. But, honestly, that only happens a couple days a week (if that). I’m really good at running around and doing things at the last minute, but that isn’t a great way to have a joyful day; those are the stressful days that turn me into a crazy woman.
I often make lists and set times to do things. This motivates me quite a bit, and it’s satisfying to sit down at the end of the day and see the checkmarks down the list. On the better days, when I get things done, going to bed tired from my hard work is a reward. I sleep better knowing that I worked hard—I don’t sleep well when I’m tired from a day of being lazy. Proverbs 31:27 encourages us to keep busy: She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
To organize my time, I need to have clear goals and set priorities for my day. My ultimate daily goal should be to glorify God in all that I do, say, and think. All too often, I don’t do that, as my own selfish ambitions get in the way. Luke 9:23 says And He said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” It’s absolutely necessary to deny ourselves daily. We must fight the sin of temptation to do what we want and instead follow the will of the Lord. I think that once we have this first priority in place, we’ll have the right mindset to fill the day with the things that need to get done—for the benefit of our families and for the glory of God.
Love,
Emily
