This gift isn't mine!

I don't know about you but I'm the type of person who gets frazzled when my to-do list gets really long! I like to get things done as quickly as I can, and when I have problems tackling something on my to-do list I move it to the back of my mind and it might be a month later that I finally get it done. That's not how you should handle stuff, is it?

My to-do list was long last week and it was heavy on my mind. I had to get up really early to babysit and I had actually gotten up early enough to do my hair, get dressed and make my tea. I had some extra time so I went to the family room to hop on facebook, but then I stopped myself and thought, "is this really going to help me start my day?" I didn't even open the Internet tab, instead I closed my eyes and prayed. I gave my day over to my Father and told Him I would do what He asked of me and whatever I do that day I would give it my all.

“In all the work you are given, do the best you can. Work as though you are working for the Lord, not any earthly master.” Colossians 3:23

That day the baby I was watching in the morning was super sweet. Back home I got a lot of Christmas gifts made, and I finished more than half of my to-do list! I was like, wow God! I truly gave my day to Him and I purposed to do my best and my Father blessed me!

Ever since then when I wake up I take time to give my day to the Lord. My mind isn't on the to-do list anymore but "how can I glorify you today God!"

I have always wanted to get up and spend an hour in prayer, but I'm not a morning person (my excuse) and I never stuck to it. For my not a-morning-person self starting off with a short prayer time, getting still and coming before my Father to give Him my day is just what I need to build up to that hour of prayer in the future. I'm not just saying, "Lord I give my day to you, bless me" then run off, but I focus on my Love and sincerely pray from my heart.

Dear one if you are trying to get deeper in your walk but are struggling, don't tackle more than you can right now! If your goal is to get in the word (Bible) daily but you're finding it difficult, get a daily devotional book or a free on-line devotion from a ministry like Our Daily Bread. There are some great 5 minute ones that you can meditate on for the rest of your day and build yourself up.
Maybe your are struggling to add a daily prayer time to your day. Spending an hour in prayer seems like too much? Start off with 10 or 15 minutes and work up to that hour. Soon you will find you won't want to leave when your time is up!
Still having problems sticking to your goal? Get an accountability partner! And don't get mad if they call and ask if you did your Bible reading for the day, they are helping you grow. (:

“As iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion].” Proverbs 27:17

I pray as you tackle your goals, as you go about your day, that you give it all to God! When we live for the Lord we want to give Him our best and that pushes us forward. Every day is a blessing and a gift that is given to us. Let's give our sweet gift of a new day back to Father to show Him our love!