The Stress of Our To-Do Lists
Have you ever had a day where everything did not go as planned? Have you sat down to make your checklist for the day only to feel overwhelmed and stressed out? If you’re like me, then this can be extremely frustrating.
This might be embarrassing for me to admit, but I think I take the whole “planning” thing to another level. Most mornings, I wake up and write down a list of what I want to accomplish that day and even the time of the day I want to accomplish it. I like to do this because it’s important for me to plan out when I am going to work with my horses. If I don’t do this, my time with them can easily get pushed to the back burner, and next thing you know my whole day has gone by and I haven’t worked with them yet.
Now, to-do lists are my jam, but at times I find myself overwhelmed because I usually have a million things on the list. Sometimes I don’t even know where to start. I question if I am really being productive or just busying myself. I wonder if I’m taking on too much or not focusing on the right things. I begin to prioritize my list and sometimes feel lost and confused, unsure of what should come first. In these moments, it’s easy to feel defeated and stressed out.
As you can imagine, as an avid planner, I’ve had my fair share of planning struggles. However, one thing that helps me when I am feeling stressed and overwhelmed by my to-do list is to say to God, “Okay, God. Help me to do what you want me to do today. Not want I want to do.”
While this helps me get through the day, I also want to mention that it can be extremely difficult to surrender our plans and roll with what God has for us that day. I think the reason it can be difficult for me is because as a planner, I like to have control. But the problem with that is when you are in control, you do not have to put your faith in someone else.
The Bible says that “God knows the plans that He has for us. Plans to prosper us and not harm us. Plans to give us hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11). It also says, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21).
Knowing this truth that the one who created me and all of the universe has my life planned out, and His plan is far greater than mine, helps me to have peace not just in the day-to-day tasks, but in the greater picture of my entire purpose here on earth. It helps me to have faith in Him and let go of all control.
Our job is to lean into God, ask for guidance, especially when we feel lost, and walk in the way that the Holy Spirit leads us. Do you remember that poem called “Footprints in the Sand”? Even on the days you feel lost, sad, and troubled, Jesus is right there carrying you through it. He’s got you, and He always has your best interest in mind.
Journal Prompt:
1. Read Jeremiah 29:11-13. Begin to write down what this verse is speaking to you. Is it hard for you to trust in God’s plan? Do you believe that He is with you even in the smallest of tasks?
2. Reflect on what your system/routine is for your day-to-day tasks. Do you find yourself stressed out when your list seems long and overwhelming? What is your first response to this feeling of stress?
Ref: Proverbs 3:5-6
