June 10, 2012

DONE!

There's something very satisfying about being able to check off a task or project on my to-do list.  Whether at home, at work, or in the studio, to be able to say "it's done!" gives me a sense of accomplishment that is sometimes hard to describe.

If it's a chore I've needed to put aside until I have enough time, then after I'm finished, the feeling is "Whew! I'm so glad that's over!"  If it's a report that I know will be scrutinized and agonized over, once it's gotten to its final destination (often a very important meeting of which I'm not a part), I can say to myself, "Thank goodness--I don't have that to deal with for another month!"  In the studio--where I would love to spend all my free time if I could--once I sign my name to a painting, it's a euphoric feeling of "YESSSSSS!" and a personal celebration of sorts, shortly followed by an eager, "What's next?!"  Whether it's something I love doing or loathe, there's still a positive feeling connected with these accomplishments.

But there are times when it's not so clear-cut to be able to declare something as finished:  a spiritual issue that you may be wrestling with, an unresolved conflict in marriage, a financial decision that needs to be made but the constant assault on the national and local economies won't allow for that just now.  Not being able to say "done deal" is a very unsettling state to be in, if you're honest with yourself.

Our pastor preached on Proverbs 3:5-6 today.  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.  Think about him in all your ways, and he will guide you on the right paths."  When we can't seem to get it done, we can trust God to do it either for us, through us or in us.  Maybe not the way we think it should be done, maybe not on our timetable, but in the right way at the right time, we can know it will be done.

My focus for this week is to be more aware of whether I'm trusting God to get things done.  I hope you'll give that some thought as well.  After all, "Thy will be done" should not be just an empty phrase but a way of life.