Do you ever feel like life is one big check list?  I’ll admit it, I’m a check list girl myself.  Sadly at the end of the day I tend to focus more on what didn’t get crossed off instead of all that was accomplished.  And many times those accomplishments happen when we are just doing life.

I will use my day as an example:

• I didn’t put away the laundry – but I did wash, dry, fold and sort 20 t-shirts, 10 pairs of shorts, 8 pairs of pants, 6 towels and countless socks and underwear.
• I didn’t cook any gourmet meals.  In fact, I brought the kids to the local summer meal program for lunch and served PB&J for supper at a ridiculously late hour (after 7pm. Shhh, don’t tell anyone!) – but I did make sure 5 little bellies didn’t rumble.
• I didn’t get any ‘me’ time – but I was there for {K} as she bravely navigated a new piece of playground equipment and happily declared one of her newest English phrases, “I did it!”.
• I didn’t tackle any yard work (dandelions and various weeds reign supreme around here these days!) – but I did finish up the outdoor project I have been working on for weeks, with my little helpers by my side.  We all rejoiced in the reward of a job well done after hard work and perseverance.
• I didn’t get the house clean like I planned – but I did make sure the kid’s feet and faces were washed up before I tucked them into bed.
• I didn’t get a chance to do my Bible study/devotion – but I was able to discover the beauty around me in God’s creation.

At times it is helpful to step away from the check lists and realize that our worth is so much greater than words on a piece of paper or what we can accomplish in 24 hours.  I for one am going to bed tonight with a full heart and a smile on my face.