In my pocket
April 28th, 2010“Time is a gift”, said Antoinette Davis in her talk on Heart of Service. Simple and so true.
For me, that seemed like a great place to begin giving.
Unsure of where to serve specifically, I knew of only 1 place to look.
Upward.
When I’m busy w/ my own agenda, I’m not as available to God or to others. So, I took my to-do list, the one written and the one like a constant rolodex in my head, and put it in my pocket.
Now, some of these items on my list were important, like grocery shopping, doing laundry, and cleaning the house.
But, for a couple of days, I committed to praying before I did each and every stupid little thing on my list. And while there’s a phrase about the devil being in the details, I think God was there instead.
The first morning, I was on my way to bible study. I was early, really early. I drove down the freeway thinking about what I could accomplish beforehand. Ah, BABIES-R-US was the next exit and I needed diapers, wipes, and puffs. Perfect! They’re even open early.
Just before I changed lanes to exit, I remembered my commitment and I prayed for God to lead me wherever He had me in that moment.
I felt immediately like I wasn’t supposed to go. I didn’t think He was going to care about me going to BRU, but that day, He did. I thought, really? Okay, I guess I’ll have to find another time to go.
Kept driving and pulled into the church parking lot. It was 9:40 am and bible study started at 10:30. I was feeling a little silly about being there so early.
As I was about to pull into a spot, another car stopped right in front of me. Plenty of spots, we politely waited for each other to pull in first.
It was an unusually long pause. I looked up and realized it was a very close friend of mine. She was here early too.
My 7 month old had fallen asleep in the car, so I decided to park and work on my study while I let him sleep. My friend walked by and waved. I waved back and then signed that the baby was sleeping, so I didn’t roll the window down.
She walked on and then, DUH!!! It hit me.
Time with her was what God had put on my to-do list this morning. He nearly had to knock me over the head (or bump my car and wave through the window) to get me to comply, but I did. She and I rarely get time together anymore and we needed some, so this morning was both purposeful and nice to be with my dear friend.
The rest of the day went along the same way, without me being quite as slow to catch on. There were a few other interventions to my list and few things that did get marked off.
At the end of the day, did I feel disappointed that I didn’t mark more off my list? Not once.
I spent the day walking with God, allowing the Lord whom I say is my King, to actually be my King and lead me.
If only I could keep this perspective every day. Why is it so hard?
I can admit that there were other days I did this well, but the past few I’ve gone back to running my good ol’ to-do list.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with a to-do list. Some things on mine even involve serving others. But, when my list rules my day, I’m not allowing God to guide me. Even when my heart behind the to-do is good, it may not be where God wants me that day, and better yet, it may be where He wants to use someone else.
So, tomorrow I’m starting a new commitment to pray before each item.
How about doing it with me?
I’ve got one hand (putting my to-do list) in my pocket, and the other one is giving a peace sign. : ) – Sundee McDonald
For more on capturing and cultivating a heart for service in you and your children, click here to listen to Antoinette Davis’ talk.

