I recently had some work done on my house requiring me to box up most of my belongings. I did some mild purging along the way but with some time constraints I mostly just packed. Now that the work is done, it’s time to bring things back in. I have a clean slate to decide what goes where – or if it stays at all.
Seems I have lots of time on my hands now to sort and decide what I really want to keep and where it will live. Is it meaningful? Useful? Will I need daily access? Or is it for that special occasion – tucked away but still there if needed?
For many, these last few weeks have been a time where the calendar has cleared. We’ve boxed up all our normal activities and they are sitting there waiting to re-enter our lives. It’s a unique opportunity to sort our activities and decide what we want to keep. What has risen to the top of our priority list and what have we learned we can actually do without?
Stories abound of families reconnecting – enjoying time together at home or virtually, in creative ways. Let’s be sure we keep a prominent place for that. Some have mentioned enjoying the slower and simpler lifestyle – time to read, play games and even catch up on sleep!
Just like my shelves, I want to be mindful of what I keep on my schedule. This is a great opportunity to purge and simplify - and not add back habits only because “I’ve always done it that way.“ In a nutshell, does it promote or hinder my mission to glorify God and serve Him?
My calendar building will try to keep important margin for family and friends as well as time to slow down and listen to God. I hope to hear more from Him about what He’d like to do with my time. Maybe I’ve de-cluttered enough to hear Him more clearly.
How will your calendar change?
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16
