Priorities

January is almost over. My schedule is picking up. I detest this time of year. Short dreary days don’t energize my solar-powered battery. I have commitments and don’t always feel like doing them—even those I enjoy. I decided not to worry about how I feel and do my best to get things done. This is the first year I’ve tried it. I stopped fighting with myself. I’m also working on developing priorities. I decide what’s important and don’t let minor things on my list bother me if they aren’t finished. My days are manageable when I stick to it but tussle with it. I guess it has to do with seeking God first. Matthew 6:33 tells us this: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

My work? To seek and keep God at the center of my days. Sometimes, I get caught up in bits and pieces and things that crop up. I forget that God is in charge. What happens surprises me. Life turns me away from communication with God. I forget to listen to Him. I forget to talk to Him. The source of my life becomes an afterthought. I pray that God’s spirit will remind me of His priorities and order my own.

All is well

Jesus said, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, because I am meek and lowly in heart, "and you will find rest to your souls." For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:29, 30)

This was a week that started with concern about what was going to happen to Harold. Dwayne's Dad came through surgery very well. He was safely at the nursing home Tuesday evening with some pain medication and the realization that he was going to experience pain from surgery. It was a long day. One of the clearances didn’t make it to the hospital with his paper work so surgery was briefly delayed. We dropped him off, went and grabbed a bite to eat and got home around 9 pm.

I had a bug for a few days during the week that laid me low. It was cold, snowy and icy out so staying home was fine with me. Dwayne, on the other hand, had to drive bus in the blowing snow.

I spent the afternoon with all three of my kids on Friday. We ran errands and then ate lunch together at IHOP. We got to chat and be silly. It was a great afternoon. Becky and I grocery shopped yesterday afternoon. Joshua did not make it to church today because of the snow. Aaron had to drive to Albany in his new (to him) Blazer yesterday to fill out paperwork. All is well in the Durand family. We have plenty to keep us busy and we're healthy. I’m grateful for the restful week we’ve had.

Peace for the New Year

Be anxious about nothing, but in everything by prayer and by petition with thanksgivings, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. For the rest, brothers, whatever is true, whatever honorable, whatever is right, whatever pure, whatever lovely, whatever of good report, if of any virtue, and if of any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:6-8)

I want the peace of God to guard my heart and mind which means I must learn to think and pray with gratitude. This is the first full week of the New Year. I can't believe it arrived so soon. Tomorrow will find us in the hospital waiting room while Dwayne's dad has minor surgery. This week, I'm grateful that Harold is still with us so that we can spend time with him and help take care of him. I'm even more grateful that Dwayne and I still love spending time together as much as we always have.