The Art of Juggling

Last Sunday as I was listening to Music and the Spoken Word I was reminded of something else I want to work on in 2009--finding a balance between the things that I have to do, the things that I should do, and the things that I want to do.

Over the coming months I want to make sure that I make time for cultivating and improving abilities (and responsibilities), my physical health, my relationships, my spirituality, my intellectual prowess (do I still have that?), my emotional well being, my service to others, and any other area that might need refinement.

The challenge lies in the fact that there are a limited number of hours in each day and a limited amount of energy that I can put forward. My "to do" list seems to stay fairly constant because so many things are on-going or repeating. Despite that fact, I still like to make lists and I get great satisfaction when I can cross something off. I've tried the whole electronic tasks or lists, but it isn't the same as physically writing on paper (cute paper and a great pen help) the things I want to accomplish, then being able to cross them off once they are done. Some days, I list things that I've already done (like showering or making my bed) just so I can cross something off the list and have a tangible record that I have accomplished something.

I love the scripture that Lloyd Newell quoted, found in Ecclesiastes 3:1: "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." I need to keep reminding myself that there are many worthy and worthwhile pursuits that may not necessarily be part of this wonderful season of life that I am in.

In 2009 I want to make the most of this--my season in life--as a wife, mother, daughter, granddaughter, sister, friend, neighbor, volunteer, and servant of the Lord.

**How do you prioritize to make sure you do the most important things?
**Are you a "to do" list maker?
**Do you love the season of life you find yourself in?