Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Getting things in Order

This has been a rough season. All the systems that we had in place just don't work when mommy is sick and spending LOTS of time on the couch. Add to that the general malaise I've been experiencing (I'm not depressed, just hormonal and very...blah) and one very hard-working hubby. Stir in three kids going through all sorts of different growth spurts and developmental stages. Sprinkle liberally with church "issues." Broil under the constant critique of family, friends, aqauintences and little old ladies in Kroger. What you wind up with is one big mess.
Now, I don't mean that everything is going wrong. Far from it. We are all thrilled about this new little baby. To say that we can't wait for September would be quite the understatement. And we all still love each other and like to hang out together. We still have a wonderful bedtime ritual that includes devotions and prayers and wrestling with Daddy (or Brenna's new favorite game, combing fleas - please don't ask). Levi's learning to read at a rate that just astounds me and Brenna is (finally) getting the hang of going to the potty. Jack has become a real charmer and we're still at church every Sunday morning.
But the things that are going wrong...well, they need a lot of work. There's just so much that I know I need to do, and so much that I don't have a clue what to do about, and even some that I need to stop worrying about all together and just let God handle. So, my big plan is (drumroll for those who know me) to make a list. Because that's what I do. Then I'm going to spend some serious time praying over this list. First thing on the list? Asking God for the time to spend serious time praying over the list! I've spent the last few months making feeble attempts at handling all this and all I've figured out is that I really can't. Not on my own. Not without Him.
Here's just a little of what's on the list. If any of you feel led to share what's worked for you - I couldn't be any more open to suggestion:)
Challenge #1. Finding daily time with God.
Challenge #2. Disciplining myself to get my work done even when I don't feel like it. And cutting back/delegating *my* work so that is even possible.
Challenge #3. Getting some new simplified routines in place so that things still function with a very pregnant mommy and with a new baby.
Challenge #4. Getting the house simplified for the same reason.
Challenge #5. Knocking out some discipline problems in the kids (disrespectful attitudes, laziness, whining, etc!)
I can't wait to get started on even a little of this!

2 comments:

Maggie said...

I love my lists to. At least they help me clarify my goals and ideas should the oppurtunity to work on them come up. I have not accomplished much this week other then grocery shopping and cooking on Monday. I think the fact you wrote out your goals is a great start.

Shannon said...

Thanks, Maggie. I just have to resign myself to the fact that this isn't going to get done over night!