What’s on your list?
Do you make lists of the things you need or want to accomplish?
I confess. I’m a list maker.
- Lists help me remember what I need to do.
- Lists help me organize my thoughts.
- Lists help me prioritize.
- When completing a task, I enjoy making a BIG line to mark it off the list as DONE!
But I also confess that I sometimes get overwhelmed by the many things on my list(s), since I usually have more than one list going at a time. And, sometimes I’ll lose my list and forget something. Even worse, I may overlook something important (like checking on a shut-in friend) because I’m overly focused on my list of things to do.
A dear friend gave me a book for Christmas, Because of Bethlehem, by Max Lucado. I’m progressing on reading it (it’s slow go because I have too many other things on my list).
In Chapter 5, “It’s Never Too Late,” Lucado describes his wife’s efforts to be sure he understood what Christmas gift she wanted. She took him to the jewelry store. Both she and the clerk pointed out a particular pendant. When Max became distracted, thinking about an upcoming football game, his wife reminded him Christmas was coming and how much she loved the pendant she showed him. The salesclerk wrote down the product number and reminded him of the store’s hours.
Max didn’t mind. “I need all the nudges I can get,” he tells his readers. He bought the special present for his wife and hid it in his sock drawer. He listened and followed through. He did not miss the cues.
Then Lucado reminds us of what the innkeeper in Bethlehem missed out on by not making a space for Mary when she and Joseph needed a place to stay during the registration process for the census.
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no quest room available for them. (Luke 2:6-7 NIV)
We’ve learned to accept this story and not be too critical of the innkeeper because we aren’t told all the circumstances, only that Bethlehem was crowded and all the inns were full. However, Lucado points out (and I think his response makes good sense):
But, honestly, couldn’t he have found one more space? Mary was third-trimester pregnant. Wouldn’t you have found a bed for a mother-to-be? Of course you would. Which makes me wonder, was there another reason Mary and Joseph were turned away?”
Because of Bethlehem, p. 52
Perhaps the hour was very late. Perhaps the innkeeper saw how pregnant Mary really was and feared imminent birth with much screaming from her and a baby. Or maybe, it was because Mary and Joseph were common people, not famous or wealthy. Whatever the reason the innkeeper used to turn them away, he missed an opportunity.
Max Lucado reminds us that we often miss the opportunity to open the door and our hearts to Jesus:
The miracle of Bethlehem still happens. God enters the hamlets of our lives and speaks to us. He speaks through scriptures, sunsets, the kindness of a friend, or the warning of a medical report. He sings to us through Christmas carols. He calls to us through Christmas sermons. He reaches out through the Christmas story. p. 53
Because of Bethlehem, p. 54
Are we missing the opportunity to have a close relationship with Jesus?
Jesus is Immanuel, God with us. He is here. Even though our lives are very busy and we struggle to get it all done, Jesus is with us through the trials and challenges. All we need to do is reach out to Him. He is waiting for us–He is with us.
Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be open.” (Matthew 7:7-8)
Ask, knock, seek, find…Jesus is with us.
And about those lists?
Jesus comes not with a list of things for you to do but with a list of things he has already done and will do. Jesus lifts burdens; he doesn’t add to them.
Because of Bethlehem, p. 54
Is my relationship with Jesus at the top of my list?
As I reflect on this question, I ask myself…
- Is my quiet time with God the most important part of my day?
- Am I completing daily Bible study?
- What about my prayer life? Is it pleasing to God?
- Do I have a burden that I’m refusing to submit to Jesus?
The miracle of Bethlehem is still with us. How are we responding to that miracle?
Did you consider the questions above that I pondered?
What’s on your list?
Because of Bethlehem: Love is Born, Hope Is Here, Max Lucado, 2016, Thomas Nelson.
When I go to the hardware store to get things for a project I am working on, I make a list. Otherwise, I am prone to forget a key item and have to make a second trip. My lists aren’t always “To Do” lists. Sometimes they are “Ta Da” lists with the purpose of reminding me what has been accomplished.
As Christians, we can’t let anything take to top position of any list we make. That spot should always be given to pleasing the Lord!
Thanks for helping to remind us Katherine!
Ben, I really like the idea of a “Ta Da” list–not as a way of bragging, but as encouragement to keep going. Thanks for sharing that tidbit of inspiration. As you do for the hardware store, I make grocery lists, because I will forget something important if I don’t. But we both agree on WHO and WHAT should be at the top of our list. Wishing you a wonderful week!
I’ve often wondered, “just who offered Joseph and Mary the manger?” Was it the innkeeper’s wife? She probably knew firsthand how miserable and uncomfortable someone can be with a new birth imminent. “Did she take compassion on a young, clearly first-time mother-to-be?” “Or perhaps, “Joseph, knowing how close to delivery his beloved wife was, found the best place available to them; knowing to travel more would have placed both mother and baby in peril?” One day, we’ll know those answers, but until that time, we accept as truth what God’s word says and spend little energy on what we cannot comprehend or understand. As to your question, I have an “_AA-Praise-Jesus” prompt (to ensure it always appears at the top of my list) on my Daily Prayer List. And even though, I remind myself Who is supposed to be at the top of my list, I somehow forget that during the day sometimes. Great reminder my friend.
Like you, J.D., I have wondered about the feelings, emotions, and intent of those playing a major role in the miracle at Bethlehem. Except for the past two years, I have written our Christmas play at church for more than 25 years. I always include the Christmas story that Luke provides, but I place that story in a setting that includes fictional characters that could have lived in Bethlehem or somehow found themselves being present in the town at the time of our Savior’s birth. Since the Bible doesn’t tell us of the emotions Mary and Joseph felt, in my fictional play, I can highlight the shepherds, the innkeeper’s family, or people that lived and worked in Bethlehem. I can show how they were profoundly affected by the events that occurred on that most special night in the City of David. We are all recipients of God’s greatest gift of love. What a wonderful reason to shout to our Father in praise and worship, as you do in your morning prayer time.
I too am a list maker, a to-do keeper, and a person who loves accomplishment. However, in the midst of my to-do list, I am learning to keep my focus on Jesus as my main priority and the importance of dwelling in the Word. I’m also learning to be flexible and drop the lists for my day to do what the Lord has placed in my heart to do (Nehemiah 12:12). And, I have to call myself back to the task that is before me and not wander off on the rabbit trails.
Great article, Katherine!
Thank you, Laura. I’m also grateful that you shared how you keep Jesus at the top of the list as you balance a busy life schedule. That helps the rest of us who are trying to get better at keeping Jesus first, rather than being distracted by a long list of “must do” tasks. Wishing you a blessed week.
Oh, I really really enjoyed this. I want Jesus at the top of my every list. Even the one’s I’ve already lost…it happens to me too!
I’m glad I’m not the only one, Sylvia! Thank you for joining me in the occasional “forgetful” club. But most of the time, those lists help us, don’t they? Praying we can keep Jesus at the top of our lists. Hope you have a sunshine filled week (with no ice).
Oh how I enjoyed this being the consummate list(s) maker. Quiet time with Jesus happens first thing most mornings and that helps me keep my lists in perspective. Thanks for reminding me how much I’ve enjoyed Lucado’s writing in the past. I think it’s time for another dose!
Max Lucado is such a gifted speaker and writer. Like you, I wish I could read more from him. But my list is struggling with time constraints! I try to have my quiet time with Jesus in the mornings, too, when I’m fresh. Starting the day off in the right way (with Jesus) makes for a more peaceful day. Wishing you a blessed week.
You caught my attention with list making, Katherine. I’m a kindred spirit. Thank you for reminding us of the importance of keeping a steady focus on Jesus. My ever-growing to-do list sometimes produces anxiety, but when I look to Him, He brings peace. Thank you for writing about keeping Him at the top of our lists.
Jeannie, you are such a wonderful role model! Thank you for showing us, through your ministry, how to always keep Jesus first in our lives. Your gentle spirit, kindness, and faithfulness to our Lord mentor all of us who are blessed to read your work and interact with you. Thank you for sharing your thoughts to help us keep our priorities in the right order.
I confess, I need lists too. And yes they are helpful but can be a hindrance when too much importance is placed on them. At the top of our list whether written or mental should be our time with God. Only then are we allowing Him to give us those opportunities we would miss otherwise. He knows where all the nuggets are that we need to respond to. Most of all we need to respond to Him. Thank you, Katherine, for inspiring us.
I think we writers must have that in common–using lists. Perhaps it is because we have to be organized to get everything done and still find time to write and maintain social media presence (necessary for authors). But you really emphasize the most vital aspect–no matter how busy we are, no matter how many tasks are on our list, and no matter the call of the keyboard, our most important action every day is our time with our Lord. Thank you, Barbara. I hope your day is filled with sunshine!
I read this book with friends one year for advent. Great book. I am finally learning how to prioritize and put my focus where it needs to be. Thank you for this reminder.
I agree, it’s a great book and I’m still working on getting my priorities in the right order. I need plenty of guidance on that task. I think I need a sifting process for what even goes onto the list before I start the priority process. I’m working on that, too. Thanks for stopping by, Jen, I’m always grateful for your insight.
I’m such a list maker myself! But you’re exactly right — my time and relationship with God need to be at the top of my list every day. It’s easier for me to do that during the week when I’m on a schedule but it can slip sometimes when things are more relaxed on the weekends. I need to be more intentional every day, not just on “planned” days. This sounds like a great book. I haven’t read anything by him in a while so will have to check it out.
I understand about the schedule–that helps me in getting more done, but aren’t those weekends with family (when we don’t need to rush so fast) a blessing? I really enjoy Max Lucado’s work. He has such a down-to-earth, humorous style, but his messages really pack a punch. Wishing you a blessed weekend (and some time to rest)!
I love lists for errands and items at the store, only to find I left the list home sitting on my kitchen counter. You make an important point about including Jesus on our list, not only in our study and devotional time, but on a permanent list. Thanks for bringing this truth so creatively.
Marilyn, I also forget my list sometimes and usually the most important item on the list is the one I fail to remember. I guess I need a list to remind me of the list! I’m striving to keep Jesus in His appropriate place on the list–the top! Thanks so much for your encouragement. Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
Like everyone else, my to-do list always beckons. I juggle the lives of five people on my phone. But I try to begin every day with the Lord so I keep perspective on what’s most important. Thanks for a great post, Katherine!
Keeping up with multiple family members is tough. It’s hard enough remembering our own schedule! Like you, I strive to begin every day with my Lord. Thank you for being such a good role model and encourager, Annie.
I waver between making lists and wondering where I put that mental note. Fabulous discussion. Love the idea that Christ has a list of what He’s done for us. Beautiful. God bless!
I still have a pretty good head for my mental list and I dread the time when that leaves me. But, I rely on written lists to help me be motivated and as a backup plan for those times when I do forget (and that happens to all of us). As you point out, we shouldn’t have any difficulty remembering all the wonderful blessings Christ has given us. Hope your day is blessed!
I make lists all the time and sometimes attach them to the tote bag I take to school or tape them to my computer! This is such a good reminder to keep Jesus first in my day!
It’s a great idea to put the list where we will see it. If I need to run errands and my list is still at the house when I’m in the store–that doesn’t help me much. I have many lists near my computer, too, since a lot of my time is spent there. But as we both know, the most important task (as you mention) is to start the day with Jesus and stay centered on Him in all we do. Wishing you blessings, my friend, wherever your list takes you.
Thank you for the reminder to seek God FIRST and keep Him at the top of my list. I’ll admit to making long lists, but not keeping Christ the priority every day like I should.
Many have shared that they have the same problem. I’m praying we can all work to keep Jesus first on our list. Thank you for your ministry of sharing Bible verses on social media. That’s a wonderful outreach, Joanna.
Love your post, Katherine! Thank you!
Thank you, LuAnn. I’m grateful for your encouragement. Blessings!