Going From Pressure to Peace with Our To-Do Lists

When making a to-do list, do you get overwhelmed? An ignored homework due date is rapidly approaching. Dishes in the sink are crying to be cleaned. A commitment to your fitness hangs in the back of your mind. A friend sent a text earlier asking if you’re free for a specific date.

Tasks on a to-do lists can feel like a masseuse hitting your pressure points during a deep-tissue massage, but they can be a means of peace. 

How does one accomplish all of life’s “pressure points” with peace?

First, keep your mind focused on Him. This is not praying to get it all done somehow. Keeping Him at the center of our mind is taking Him along with every point on our list and completing it out of the rest and strength He gives. 

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)

“…In repentance and rest is your salvation. In quietness and trust is your strength…” (Isaiah 30:15)

Learning to rely on the rest and strength we can freely receive from God is not easy, but it is worthy of our energy. 

Second, give yourself realistic expectations. I expect to get more accomplished in a day than what I can tangibly do. I am left feeling defeated. 

“Alright to-do list you win this time.” 

If the God of the universe offers grace salvation, why don’t we give ourselves grace in our daily tasks?

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)

I have started telling myself I am going to take each task as they come. Indeed, I wish I could get ahead. If it is just for the sake of getting ahead, I catch myself and dismiss it. We are told not to worry about tomorrow that includes tomorrow’s to-do list. 

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34)

I am not perfect in doing this. I still procrastinate. I chose to talk about tackling our to-do lists because I’ve been struggling with mine. But keeping these truths has helped me grow in the mindset I have toward my to-do list.

Just like a deep tissue massage that releases knots is relaxing, so can working on your to-do list with peace. 

God bless

Love brits

P.S. I realize not everyone likes deep tissue massages, but don’t you feel much better when those knots are gone?