Opinion

Help is at hand – if you ask!

Ruth Lilley realises that she needs some help tackling her to-do list and decides to adjust her priorities.

As the new day dawns, the to-do list is long and, when considering all that needs to be done, I have come to realise that I often feel that I am the only person that can do it and do it properly...and by properly, I mean that I have set my standards too high!
 
In doing this I have either set myself unachievable tasks or felt like a failure because I have expected too much of myself. Sometimes, I get in a pickle because I choose to rely too heavily on myself rather than noticing the amazing support I have around me. Or I feel overwhelmed by the length of the list, and nothing really gets ticked off!
 
Why do I do this? Why do I try to do everything my way and all by myself? Is it because I want to be seen as a Super-mum? The best ever teacher? Is it because I want someone to notice what I do and say, 'Well done, you are doing a great job'?
 
Whichever reason it might be, it is not a helpful motive as I am being far too inward-focused. Whether I am ticking off jobs on my to-do list or floundering because the list is overwhelming, then if I feel the need to prove something or gain acknowledgement, then I am probably doing more harm than good. If my actions are concentrated on me rather than those around me, then it is time for a reset.
 
So, when the new day dawns, maybe it would be more helpful to look at the to-do list with different standards? 
 
"Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him’."
Lamentations 3:21-24(New International Version)
 
If I begin the day covered in hope, love, compassion, faithfulness, and opportunity then I begin the day with promise; choosing to stand on the solid foundations of God's great love and believe that God will share His goodness. Then I can measure the day knowing I will achieve and accomplish rather than measuring my failings. Carrying this wonderful truth with me each day, will enable me to share hope and love with the people I meet along the way.
 
As the new day dawns, the to-do list is long. However, on this new day I will choose to try something different, and I will not do it alone...I am going to do it surrounded by God's great love and this love doesn't expect me to fail...it tells me I am doing a great job!
 
The image is courtesy of Ivan Samkov on pexels.com

Ruth Lilley teaches at an infant school in Norwich. She also enjoys writing, and writes a regular blog called ‘With Every Sun Comes A New Day.’

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