One Simple Prayer that is Changing my Days

The first few weeks fooled me. She slept often and soundly, even with the shouts and squeals and roars of her brothers.

She nursed well and when awake, watched the world in wide-eyed wonder.

But during the past two weeks, we have officially entered “the year of the baby.”

If you’ve never heard me talk about “the year of the baby,” let me catch you up to speed. I always have a hard time in the first year of any of our babies ‘ lives. It’s not just the constant change — in schedule, with sleep patterns, in family dynamics, with eating, in planning … well, with just about everything! — it’s also that with each baby’s first year, we’ve also had some big family change or some pretty major catastrophe.

This time, we haven’t yet had any huge changes, and there are no crises yet to speak of, but we have definitely entered that roller coaster of meeting baby’s needs while caring for a home filled with children.

I joked on the phone with my mom that I’m in the days when the typical to-do list items are thrown out the window and are replaced by everyday tasks like –

• get dressed,
• throw clothes in the washer,
• switch clothes to the dryer,
• make bed.

Adding “clean the kitchen” really just means putting the food away and emptying and re-loading the dishwasher. I’m lucky if the counters get wiped!

If I’m honest, these days challenge me. I find myself too easily frustrated and impatient, totally powerless and a bit discontent.

I’m an “achiever.” Apparently, it’s one of my top 5 strengths. I like to get things done. But every strength has a shadow side, and I’ve been struggling with mine.

Far too often I measure my achievement by what I accomplish. If I can check off the to-do list, I feel like I’ve had a productive day. When I can finish something, I’m happy. But we all know how a houseful of children affects our productivity! Finishing anything I start is a feat I’m proud of – even if that anything is a simple diaper change!

The trouble is, I allow my mind to be ruled by a measuring stick, and I always come up short. I’m searching for contentment in performance —  a hopeless pursuit!

But how do you measure the love we show, the care we give, and the lives we live as we give hugs and wipe tears, as we shepherd, guide, instruct, and train these little ones? We can’t! At least not right now, and I don’t want to measure!

I want to soak up every moment with my children, treasure every opportunity – even the frustrating, turn-me-gray ones! I want my life to be about loving God and loving people.

The real achievement, the kind I truly desire, does not look like a to-do list or a set of accomplishments. Real achievement comes from obeying God and following His plan for my day.

And just to be clear, to my own heart really, “Following God’s plan for my day” does not mean following my plan for my day or your plan for my day, and it certainly does not mean His plan for your day, or anyone else’s for that matter! Need a little help with this? You’ll definitely want to grab a Faithful Life Planner and put it to use!

Achievement in God’s eyes looks a lot different than achievement in the world’s eyes, and too often, I’m looking with the wrong eyes.

I’m beginning my days differently now. Before getting out of bed or talking to my family or looking at my phone to check my e-mail or Facebook or Instagram — or even the clock — I’m surrendering my to-do list to God and asking for His instead. {His, after all, is easier and lighter, and it’s so much more beautiful.}

It doesn’t take long, and I don’t use many words but I pray something like this:

What would you have me do today? May I live open to your plan for me, for us as a family. Thank you that You are already working and will use me for Your glory today.

I’m not pursuing my will; I’m seeking His, and He is changing my days!

Purposeful, contented, freeing.

What a gift He gives when we trust and obey!

Question for You:

How do you handle interruptions to your plans? What helps you remain open to God’s plan for your day?

Original Photo (no text): Carli Jean Millers via Creative Commons