It’s January. In the past that always meant two things for me: the start of a new diet and the beginning of a new calendar. The diet was over before the end of the first day but my brand spankin’ new calendar became a companion (and a ball and chain) that was filled to capacity with a myriad of to-do lists and activities no matter what month I flipped to.
Are you already feeling in bondage to your busyness? Are you in captivity to your activity before the year has even started? Or have you been beaten down enough to believe this is just how life is? You need to know something -this isn’t just how life is.
Instead of keeping a to-do list, how about this year you keep a to-don’t list? Go ahead, write one down. I’ll give you a minute.
Having a tough time? If you need a little help here’s a few to-don’ts I have listed on mine.
Today’s To-Don’t List
Don’t forget to spend time with Jesus. I used to believe singing “Jesus Take the Wheel” on my way to a Girl Scout meeting counted as time with the Lord. Now I think differently. There are some parts of my day I need to make time for. Time with Jesus is one of them.
Don’t spend all day with Paula Deen. Yes. I admit it. I’m in love with Paula Deen. Anyone who uses ten pounds of butter in every recipe known to man has my undying affection—forever. One day, I stopped and really thought about how much time I’ve spent with her. I realized Paula and the FOOD Network had more of my undivided attention than the most important people in my life; my family. These days, I watch Paula on my laptop once the kids are in bed. Our love still burns brightly—time together is always buttery and magical.
Don’t forget to kiss your husband in front of the kids. On any given day my husband, Paul, and I like to play red light-green light. If we’re in the car and we’re stuck at a red light we kiss each other. The kids groan and make gagging sounds from the backseat. A few have shouted through a blood curdling scream, “It burns!” They cover their eyes but continue to peek through their fingers in horror. Only a green light holds their saving power. We drive through without contact. Remember, a family is only as strong as the marriage within it. Maybe it’s time for a little red light-green light in your minivan!
It’s time you shake things up a little bit. Shock your husband and slap a long list of to-don’ts on your refrigerator today. Then make sure to share a few with us in the comments below.
To Don’t
1. To Don’t lose patience so quickly with my kids 🙂
2> To Don’t forget to tell my husband how much we appreciate all the hard work his job requires of him!
Great To-Don’ts Kristin!
Ahem! That was two To-Do’s and one To-Don’t the way I count it. Don’t watch Paula Deen. Do spend time with Jesus and Do kiss your hubby.
How about Don’t stay up late. A good night’s sleep cannot be made-up the next night.
In my crazyworld they’re all to don’ts Chris. 🙂 Welcome to my mad hatter tea party!