Years ago, in a manic rush one afternoon, I made a lengthy list of things-to-do on a paper napkin. E put everything into perspective when she picked up that napkin, not five minutes later, and blew her nose on it.
Today I still make lists. Lengthy lists, at times. I’ve simply upgraded from paper napkins to an Excel spreadsheet.
I don’t think there is anything wrong with lists. I don’t think there is anything wrong with being busy. In fact, I believe that, in Morrissey’s words, “The devil will find work for idle hands to do”.
But I also believe in the principle of good, better, best. Do my lists of things-to-do reflect what I publicly claim to be “best”?
Sister Julie Beck: “Wise mothers…are selective about their own activities and involvement to conserve their limited strength in order to maximize their influence where it matters most…These mothers choose carefully, and do not try to choose it all.”
I was only recently reminded of Sister Beck’s courageous address. When it was originally delivered, I must have been distracted. Upon re-reading her words, though, I felt many emotions, culminating in a greater desire to mother those I am, for a short time, privileged to mother.
I double checked my list of lists of things-to-do, and blew my own nose on a few.
Give her 8 1/2 minutes of your day:
Thank you. I needed this reminder. I look up to you even more now that I am a mother than I did when I was a missionary, and you were my hero back then already! Again, thank you. And I’m sure my children will thank you as well 🙂
That’s classic! As a fellow list-maker, I can relate. I’ve never had a kiddo blow their nose on one, but I applaud you for being wise enough to recognize which items to blow your nose on. I’m still working on that, but every day we try a little harder to do a little better, right?
Oh, how I love this talk! I’ve listened to it over and over and over again, in hopes that it will sink deeply into my soul and help me to be a better mother. Though I’m making slow progress, I still have miles upon miles to go (still, progress is progress – and I’ll take it!).
Thank you for the wonderful reminder! love you!