It's Enough

“I got this done.” I got this done.” But..I didn’t get this, this, this and this done. Can anybody relate to these statements? I know I can! I think about what I did accomplish, but then I think about what didn’t get done and that list seems WAY longer. The more we focus on what we don't do, the more it overwhelms us and makes us feel like nothing got done. The not done tasks seem to overpower the completed tasks. In a previous blog post titled “Today” (go check out if you haven’t!), I talked about the importance of focusing on the now and what’s in front of us. Matthew 6:34 in the Bible tells us not to worry about tomorrow because each day has enough trouble. Today, I want to take it a step further in focusing on the day. At the end of the day, we may find ourselves asking this question: “Did I do enough?” I have asked myself this question many times too. I have now come to the conclusion that the answer is yes. There are times when I will second- guess that answer, but it’s definitely a yes! We’re only one person and can only do so much 💖. We do need to do things in our day, but there are also parts of our day where we need to sit still, get refueled and rest. Here’s what I am learning about what to do and what not to do: it’s all about priorities. As a teacher, this is huge for me! There is so much to do and not enough time in a day it seems to get it all done. To prioritize means to deal with something in the order of importance. I have to figure out what needs my attention today. What doesn’t need my attention can wait for another day. Do I go through the pile of papers or do I straighten up this corner of my desk? Do I make copies for the next day or the next couple of days? Which email do I respond to now and which can wait until the next day? Which papers do I grade first? When do I take time to move my lesson plans in a bigger binder? How much time should I block out for this lesson? These are real questions that I deal with daily. Not only do priorities apply to our career and school, but they also apply to our personal lives. Do I attend that event or not? Do I clean tonight? If I do, how much? One room? Closet? Floors? One corner of the room? Dust? The dusting one gets me every time because dust collects so quick and I don’t get to it as fast as I should! Then, when we complete tasks, we still have to set boundaries and break up the big tasks into smaller ones. Decisions, decisions! We all have them. Therefore, I wanted to encourage you with a few things I’m learning. First, begin your day with prayer and thank God for allowing you to see a new day and asking Him to help us only get done what we need to today👏 (Psalms 118:24, Matthew 6:11). The new day brings new opportunities and new moments to make new memories to be cherished. Second, ask yourself what needs to be done today and still leaves room to relax and rest (Ecclesiastes 3:1). This is where you look at your priorities. See what can be done now and what can wait until another day. Next, do whatever you do in the day to the best of your ability and take breaks as needed (Colossians 3:23). Then, throughout the day and at the end of the day, give thanks for everything you did get done, whether you say it aloud, say it in your prayers or write it down (Psalms 36:1, I Thessalonians 5:18). I also make sure I say aloud and be intentional about thanking God for the people I saw in my day and who I interacted and talked with. The connection was for a reason. Keep in your mind that your connections are also for a reason. I’ve learned to take no one for granted. I’ve lost a lot of my people along life’s journey. I’m grateful for the time I got to spend with them 💗. I’m mindful to cherish to cherish those still with me 💗. Last but not least, encourage yourself that what you did today, “It’s enough.” Tell yourself aloud if you have to.  So just in case no has told you today, what you have done or will do, “It’s enough💗.” I love you and God bless you!