Switch the laundry load.

Get that workout in. 

Connect with my spouse.

Work checklist?

Church ministry plans.

Dinner?

Add milk and small white trash bags to the shopping list.

Kids school to-dos.

Did I connect with each kid in a meaningful way yet today?

And on it goes…

I have a running to-do list in my mind. It’s dynamic, the order of items constantly shifting to meet the immediate needs that arise from moment to moment, but it’s always there. Sometimes, when all current pressing matters have been taken care of and no unforeseen needs have arisen, I have time to mull over some of the bigger items that have fallen to the bottom.

Am I making the most of this season of family life?

What will happen in the future?

How can I be better prepared for unexpected life challenges and changes?

Am I running out of time?

Some questions don’t have clear answers right now, uncertainties that we all live with in some form or another. Your list may be slightly different than mine, but I’ll bet you have one. Sometimes these uncertainties become more clear, and not necessarily in a good way.

I came across a quote recently that pulled me right back down to earth.

“The list of my uncertainties is long

But longer still is the list of your provisions.”

-Sandra McCracken and Douglas McKelvey (Every Moment Holy: The Work of the People)

There are so many things we can’t predict, and so many things that compete for our time and energy. It’s a good reminder that even though we can’t see the whole picture, we can look back at all the ways the Lord has carried us through in the past, and be confident that He’s got us in His hands today.

Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?…But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:27, 33-34)