Guest post from Lisa of True and Faithful
I have a confession. I’m not an organized, work down the list kind of gal.
I’m the second-born child and I’m pretty sure my older sister got every Type-A gene in our family. The hand-me-downs from her boys are spotless, birthday cards arrive early and she has Christmas presents bought and wrapped by Thanksgiving. (Best of all, she never makes her Type-B sister feel bad!)
While I’m learning routines to organize my time and house, my to-do lists and I still struggle on many days. As I added to my to-do list today, I thought, you know what I really want? I want to make a to-BE list.
What if my days were governed by a to-BE list rather than a to-DO list? I began to imagine what that list would look like.
To BE present.
One of the things I like least about a busy schedule is that it keeps me from savoring moments with my kids. I say “hurry” too often and brush past the day’s simple treasures with my children.
I want to soak in Annalise’s expressions as she shows me the insect she found outside. I want to pause my agenda and listen to my college girl’s heart when she calls. I want to forever imprint the scene of boys playing basketball barefoot on the driveway.
To BE content.
Oh how this would change my days. To be satisfied, not striving. To be content in this house with its quirks and flaws and in this season right now.
To be at peace with the kind of mom I am rather than wishing I was the fun mom, the energetic mom, the crafty mom, or the (imaginary) mom that has it all together.
To BE kind.
How about a day where one of my chief goals is to be kind to every person I deal with? Those in my house, first of all.
To instruct and discipline in kindness looks much different than instructing and disciplining when it affects me and my tasks.
My to-BE list would include being kind to the cashier who mixes up my order and patient with my elderly neighbor’s conversation.
To BE grateful.
How different my days would look through the lens of thankfulness. When picking up books or shoes left out, I want to be thankful for curious and healthy kids rather than irritable at the mess.
Instead of begrudging the scratches on my stovetop, I want to be grateful for a full pantry and working kitchen.
To BE brave.
Some tasks on my to-do list never get done not because of time, but because I’m scared to tackle them. Maybe it’s a hard phone call or financial decision. Or that big, hairy audacious goal that seems overwhelming.
I want courage to do the hard things, to get off go, and to take manageable steps today toward those big goals.
What about you?
What would be on your to-BE list?
Lisa Appelo is a single mom to 7 and recent widow writing about the faithfulness of God and the crazy good lessons she’s learning everyday at True and Faithful.
Pawleys Girl says
At first I really thought you were reading my mind! I really believe there should be some sort of club for The Art, Beauty and Shenanigins of the Second Born Child!! Great Article!!
Amy says
I love this! Life would be so much more enjoyable if we placed our focus on other things instead of our “to do” list. My list is never-ending which makes me feel like I never get anything done. A “to be” list would bring a sense of accomplishment and happiness. Thank you for this post.
Michelle says
I loved this! I am so guilty of allowing my to-do list become an idol that I often need the reminder of this. Thanks for reminding me that being is often more important that doing!
Lisa @TrueFaithful.com says
Yes, we do need this reminding and nudging over to balance. Thanks Michelle!
Joyce Walker says
Lisa, you are already a lot of the things on your “to Be List” I’ve noticed you very “present” with your children. You are definitely a fun mom,an energetic mom,A crafty mom and a mom with lots of imagination & creativity. I don’t think that I know any body kinder than you. As you know it is a rule in your family to never say any thing bad about any one. I guess you could work a little on the brave part though(ha Ha) Mom
Lisa @TrueFaithful.com says
Thanks Mom! 😉 #truefan
Bethany says
This is a great list!
Lisa @TrueFaithful.com says
🙂
kariane says
I love this! Thank you so much for sharing. I fully agree: it’s much more important to Be than to Do.
Lisa @TrueFaithful.com says
Yes Kariane! It’s a good reminder that a day Be-ing with littles is a good day!
Rene' says
Lisa,
This post is so on target! My To-Do-Lists certainly get in the way of my “being” in the moment. We have been painting our new home before we move in and we take lunch and dinner breaks out by the lake. I was just thinking how just being by the lake causes us to pause and enjoy each other’s company! I’m loving these last few days with my children before they depart to their many destinations for the summer!
Thank you for the reminder of what’s important!
Love you!
Rene’❤️
Lisa @TrueFaithful.com says
*lunch and dinner breaks by the lake* — Rene, that is heaven!
Guest says
I’ve just stayed up far too late reading through your blog. I really must get to bed for church tomorrow but wanted to comment and say how blessed I am by your heart and your gifted writing. My heart breaks for the loss of your beloved husband. I pray that God continues to heal your hearts and bring joy to you all.
Lisa @TrueFaithful.com says
::tears:: He is doing just that. That loss will never be filled but God has us right in the palm of His hand and that’s a good place to be. Thank you for your kind words!
HappyMama says
Super neat perspective! I really enjoyed reading this. Thanks.
Lisa @TrueFaithful.com says
Thank you!
Melissa says
This is the best list! Really, God’s “lists” for us are “to be” kind of things… Be kind, be truthful etc.
Lisa @TrueFaithful.com says
Melissa, it’s the harder list for sure. 😉
Katie says
I love this. So many things that make a lasting, eternal impact. Thanks for the reminder!
Lisa @TrueFaithful.com says
So true Katie. It’s the little things that are big things!
Alisha says
What a beautiful post! I need to print off a To Be list and put it on my fridge. Thank you so much.
Lisa @TrueFaithful.com says
That’s a great idea Alisha! Or a great bookmark. 🙂