What's On Your To Do List?

I smile wondering if I am the only one who couldn’t focus on my devotion this morning for thinking of all I need to do to get ready for Thanksgiving. I scribbled out my “To Do” list for the many things necessary to prepare. Most things on the list have nothing to do with Thanksgiving, but the traditional meal. Along with the meal goes all of the self-imposed expectations of how I want the house and yard cleaned and ready for the gathering.

I grew up watching my mom make a list for all that needed to be done to prepare for the big family gatherings. She even listed the dishes that would contain each food. I remember her saying that once it was on the list, you don’t have to carry it in your mind.

Setting my list aside, I was then able to focus on my morning devotions. As always the word of God spoke loudly and changed my perspective. The word shifted my focus from the things of this day to a mighty God who reigns over my to do list and over all the earth. Wow!

Surrender your anxiety! Be silent and stop your striving and you will see that I am God. I am the God above all the nations, and I will be exalted throughout the whole earth. Here he stands! The Commander! The mighty Lord of Angel Armies is on our side! The God of Jacob fights for us! Pause in his presence. Psalms 46:10-11

The Spirit nudged me about the clutter of another list. I was carrying a mental “Worry List” that needed to be moved to the cross. The chaos and clutter in my mind and heart was affecting my worship, my prayers, my focus and my relationships. I chose to join Paul in all that I could praise God for instead of all the “What If’s” and “Oh no’s.”

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:6-7

Gratitude changes everything!

I began to thank God for this day and all that He has planned. I asked Him to prepare my heart for Thanksgiving. I began to pray for my children and my grandchildren. I thanked Him for interruptions that would come today that will be His assignments. The scribbled list doesn’t seem so weighty, but the condition of my heart far outweighs the importance of anything. My heart was turned to surrender, thanksgiving—gratitude.

I pray that you will have a wonderful Thanksgiving that continues throughout your life.

I pray that the abnormality of this year will cause your hearts to give thanks like never before. He rules and He reigns and He is not panicking over anything.