Intentional Living

My to do list…

I love a good list. My new color-coded “Bullet Journal” has become my best friend. I’m organizing my life, because well, it makes me feel less chaotic. You know, I’m running in several different directions at the same time and I am learning a couple of new systems. I need a way to make sure I don’t drop those lovely spinning plates.
Today, I had a plan. I had categories. I am certain that if I could just get a bit ahead in my classes, or get my syllabus done for the new class starting on Nov. 2, I would feel less crazy. I would also feel like I was more in control of my life like I had some room to breathe. So, I mapped out series of tasks. Each of them awaiting a handy check mark indicating their completion.
And then, this morning I got a text with a picture of a friend’s brand new baby. Just hours old, his scrunchy face brought tears to my eyes. Babies are amazing. I feel like I’ve been in a sea of new babies. There is something about their smell and weight that slows the world down and brings it into focus.  We are anxiously awaiting the one who will make me a Grammy.
I meant to get to work a half an hour early. Instead, I showed up five minutes late. I don’t really know what happened. I took some extra time taking care of the house. I made my bed. The dog took a long time doing her business, and you really can’t rush these things. Plus, I can adjust the plan on the way to class, it was fine. It’s really fine. I still made it before the bulk of the class arrived, bleary-eyed and not yet fully caffeinated.
After class, I had time to work on my lesson plans, set up next week’s quiz, and upload the documents it takes me hours to do at home (slow internet is ruining my life). I was efficient and productive. I didn’t want to just rush in unannounced to see the new baby and his sweet momma. I know that babies and their mommas need their rest. But the baby face beckoned me.
I went home to tend my puppy. We lunched and walked, and hung out reading the news online. She chased the cats. I watched the SNL skit about the 2nd debate. She chewed on her bone. And then I got the text I was hoping for. Yes, come see the baby! 27 minutes later I was holding a fresh baby bundle. His scrunchy face is perfect. His hands and feet, his precious nose, his baby chin. I think I’m in love.
My friend is recovering as moms do. She is radiant and confident in her motherhood. They are in awe of this little one. Of all the things I had to do today. Seeing a freshly made baby was the one that took my breath away. He wasn’t on my to-do list, but he’s in my heart. I hope I never forget that loving people is the most important thing on my list.

If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever!

I Corinthians 13:1-8 NLT

simplethings I hope you are enjoying this exploration of simple things that make life special. This is part of the Write 31 Days challenge. Click here to follow along.

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