Good grief.
If I had a milk chocolate-covered caramel for every time I’ve tried to get my act together … well, I’d be enjoying a lavish consumption of chocolate. And my stomach would be upset. And my act would not be together.
We work hard at it though, right? Trying to find some level of order and calm in the chaos and overwhelm by fixing, directing, and controlling. Intensely trying to set the perfect habits that will change our lives. Setting up work and home and people systems so everything and everyone functions like clockwork. Using sheer determination and “don’t even think about bothering me right now” glances and words to anyone who considers bothering us while we’re checking items off our to-do list.
We strive with all our might and we focus with piercing intensity so that “everything gets done.” Organized the cupboards. Categorized papers into colored file. Got the Christmas shopping done. (It’s March.) We are ahead of schedule at work, dinner menus are planned for the next three weeks, and our Inbox is empty. The result? We are tired. Frustrated. And empty. And the “everything got done” miracle lasted for only a heartbeat.
Trying to get our act together is like trying to get a whole bunch of ducks to line up in a row in the pond. And then stay there. It’s just not going to happen.
Life is filled with interruptions and messes and unexpected celebrations and divine appointments that change things up, surprise us, and bump into our attempts to get our ducks in a row.
You see …
Life is not a “fixed it→ got it done→ everything is perfect” event.
That’s right. There is no plan or system or habit that will create a perfect life.
There is always going to be at least one ducky that shifts, another ducky that dunks, and one that prefers another pond.
And you, know, I find great relief and joy in knowing that. It’s freeing, isn’t it?
Think about it. If we know that getting our act together is a figment of our imagination and the ducks aren’t going to stay lined up, we can …
give up trying to control every situation …
stop worrying about disappointing people and focus instead on how to love them …
be present in the moment instead of attempting to get all the details in perfect order.
Life is fluid and our days are filled with sacred moments. We are called to make the most of our days and use our time wisely (not perfectly). Each day is a gift and each morning we can open that gift with, “OK, Lord. What should we do today? How should I spend my time? Show me how to live in your Grace and Love. Help me find the Joy in the tough moments, and the Gratitude in the great moments.”
One of my favorite authors, Dallas Willard, teaches us this:
“Arrange your days so that you experience total contentment, joy, and confidence in your everyday life with God.” *
That doesn’t sound much like working to get my act together. But it sure does sound refreshing!
Life is much more fulfilling when we stop trying to create a perfect life and instead pursue a faithful life.
So let’s do that! We can shift our focus, our attitude, and our schedule today.
I don’t have all, not even some, of my ducks in a row. But they are all in the same pond, so I have that going for me … which is cool.
* This book was a life-changer for me: “Soul Keeping: Caring for the Most Important Part of You” by John Ortberg.
You will find encouragement, laughter, and faith and hope-filled messages in my latest book, “Getting My Ducks in a Row and Other Stories of Faith.” Find it on my website or at Amazon.com!
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