A six word question that has saved me many times.
At the end of our lives, we want to say that we lived our life well. I don’t want to look back with regret, or realize that I majored on minors, spending my precious energy on things that didn’t matter or things I couldn’t change.
The fact is, we only have one life and we only get to live it once. It’s non-refundable. Once it’s gone, you can’t get it back.
This means that our decisions are important. I know you agree on the big things of life, like where to move, what job to pursue, etc…but it’s even more important in the little things of life.
“The way we live our hours is the way we live our days. And the way we live our days is the way we live our lives.”
I have a question I ask myself whenever I am at a crossroad. Six little words that have helped me choose wisely: What is most important right now?
When the house is a mess and the kids are in creative mode in every.room.of.the.house and drill Sargent mom starts to surface demanding that they clean up in short order, and frustration is mounting: What is most important right now?
When you’ve got a million things to do, and nobody else seems to have two arms or two legs that day: What is most important right now?
When you’re frustrated by people who don’t seem to have a clue about the basics of common courtesy: What is most important right now?
When you’re dealing with that woman who just can’t seem to control her tongue, and you’re tempted to give her a piece of your mind and put her in her place once and for all: What is most important right now?
When you’re overwhelmed with life, and you are asked to cram more into your schedule: What is most important right now.
When ministry opportunities are abundant and more requests are coming your way: What is most important right now?
Asking the simple question takes you out of the arena of the “immediate”–I’ve got to say something, or do something—and gives you a chance to make a wise decision.
Many times, prayer, time, and checking with your spouse adds clarity, too, and keeps you from prioritizing your life so you won’t be sorry.
The answers to “What is most important right now” may vary: God’s glory, devotional life, time for kids to be creative, teaching our kids to be kind with our words, practicing imperfect hospitality, stewarding well our spiritual gifts, being there for a friend, the laundry (!!!), being with a loved one in their need, encouraging a friend, getting this meal on the table.
It’s simple, admittedly. But it has helped me more times than I can recall.
Do you talk to yourself? What questions do you ask?
Mine is… “What is the next best thing?”
I appreciated this one Sarah…when I start to swirl into overwhelmed-ness…I love and need to remember this… just do the next best thing…the most important thing right now. Half of what I’m swirling about never even comes to fruition most of the time anyway 😉
I love this one, Kara. It’s amazing how often I need to refocus with “questions” and an internal dialogue. 🙂
Love your article!!! It’s a great reminder!!! I’ve had all those issues pop up recently and in the past year, and I try to remember to “step back and see the big picture.” That big picture has God and my family in it, and everything else is small stuff 😉
Yes, knowing the big picture is so helpful!
A question I need to ask myself more is: “How can I magnify Christ through this so that He is known”…whatever this may be. I do fail at this often, though, but am thankful for His grace 🙂
Yes, another great question. I’m thankful for His all sufficient grace as well.
How can I say “_______” and do my words reflect what is in my heart?
Thank you for sharing your question. A much needed question for me, conviction and all! Once again I am forced to consider the way I use time…
Grace and peace,
Sara
That is a great question, Sara.
Those are six powerful words, Sarah. Sometimes I ask those types of questions too, but not as often as I should: “What matters most?” “Who in this situation needs to be cared for?” “What’s my real motivation for doing this right now?”
I like the way you put it, though. It cuts right through everything: “What is most important right now?”
Thanks.
Good ones. I also ask “Will this matter in ten years?”
I have one related to that. Sometimes when I’m fretting over something I remind myself that in 500 years no one will ever know or care about whatever is bothering me right now.
Yes! And my most important thing right now is to rest and try to get my iron levels up. Sometimes it isn’t very glamorous….;)
Yes. As you know, RESTING is the hardest thing for me to do. It is so important. For me this morning: wash and wax the bathroom floor. Believe me. 🙂
What a great post, Sarah! I guess I have probably asked myself this question at times without consciously thinking about it. But this is such practical, helpful advice. Thanks for sharing it.
You’re welcome! Have a great day!