Making Time For What we Don’t Like June 6, 2010

Last Friday I asked the first of 4 questions that can help to introduce us to heart issues about how we use (or wish we could use) our time.  Today’s two-part question is this:  In a given week, what responsibility do I love most and am glad I “get” to do?  What responsibility do I enjoy least and wish I didn’t “have” to do?

Some time ago a friend and I were discussing these questions.  Her “have” to do was mopping the kitchen floor while mine was cleaning out the refrigerator.  We both agreed that our attitudes toward these chores resulted in putting them off, even if it meant doing other household duties — ones we enjoy or simply like a tad more than the dreaded ones!

When evaluating how I spend my time, I find it easy to fall into this kind of procrastination.  I enjoy reading and answering emails more than ironing; cleaning the bathroom more than dusting and vacuuming the family room; blogging (smile) more than folding laundry.

No woman loves all the duties of biblical womanhood.  Part of that is because we are fearfully and wonderfully made by our Creator.  How we answer those email questionnaires says something about how we are wired by God.  Diamonds or pearls?  Hugs or kisses?  Coffee or tea?  Mountains or beach?  Sometimes even the little things remind us that we are different by design.  But when it comes to important things like how we spend our time, personal preference can’t remain a matter of feelings or opinions.  If I keep putting off cleaning out the frig because I want to answer emails I will eventually have some really nasty stuff growing in my kitchen.

So here’s what I told my friend is my favorite way to spend my time in a given week:  hanging out with my ever growing family.  I’m blessed to have all my children (three of the seven are still at home) and grandchildren closeby and I enjoy every minute we have together.  And, of course, I get to sleep next to my very best friend every night.

But I admit it.  Sometimes I choose this thing I love simply to avoid things I don’t love.  Often it’s a good thing.  Like the morning last week when one of my big girls needed a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. I eagerly left my undone laundry to spend some time with her.  But other times the better thing is to say no to lunch with some of the grandkids because we need clean clothes…soon.

Good questions and honest answers can lead to wise choices that produce lifestyle changes.  I hope our questions will serve in this way for some of you as they are for us.

More questions later this week!

Posted by Sheree

P.S.  Here’s a challenge for this week:  let’s do that “have to” thing we’ve been putting off before the week ends.  If you’re game let us know what it is (i.e cleaning out a closet, asking for a friend or family member’s forgiveness, organizing the kids toys, starting an exercise program).  Wouldn’t it be fun to make a list of some of the “have to’s” that get accomplished this week? Just post your comment and we’ll make the list available soon.  I’m inspired just thinking about this!