TPC "lite": Didn’t vs. Did
Replacing Baditude
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I didn’t de-clutter my clothes.
- I didn’t touch the garage.
- I didn’t gut the guest room.
Didn’t…Didn’t…Didn’t.
Why do I focus so easily on what I didn’t do?
Especially when I said my goal was to go gently this month!
What’s the point of harping on what didn’t happen? I mean, it doesn’t even exist!
And yet, I fall into this habit so easily. Just an hour ago, I brought my son home from a dental appointment only to learn that my husband had made a run to town while we were gone. To the exact same part of town.
Why didn’t he tell me?
Why didn’t he take Jonathon?
Why didn’t we save the gas (and, more honestly, two hours of my time)?
Why am I harping on what didn’t happen? It’s over, done with, in the past.
Yes, “next time,” we’ll both try to communicate better. But truth be told, we all got what we DID leave the house for: Jonathon’s teeth got cleaned, Daniel got a case of sparkling apple juice at the Martinelli plant, and I got four walnut-and-brown-sugar tarts from Starbucks.
I should be happy, right?
And yet what didn’t happen keeps eating at me. I’m handing my thinking brain on a silver platter to a non-entity.
I think (with whatever brainpower is left) that it’s time to start laughing at myself … really, really hard!
This month, I DID:
- 1) Empty “The Box.” Turns out, it was full of old nylons. I washed them, cut off and mailed the legs to a reader who e-mailed me to say she could use them for craft projects! What a blessing!
- 2) Empty my Make Up Mess Drawer. This new organizer is just what I need on a daily basis, and it fits inside the now-empty drawer! I did keep the hanging organizer to use when I travel, as I can fit my make-up and all my liquids in it.
- 3) Develop AND start using a Thank-You Note system! I’ve sent out two notes a week ever since my cry for help three weeks ago. When Daniel took Dusty in for a re-check of her broken leg recently, he said the vet mentioned our note at least 3 times in ten minutes.
- 4) Take 4 shelves’ worth of books to the women’s class at church, where a master list is being made to be e-mailed to all members so they’ll know what books are available for them to come check out! Library cards and pockets will be added this week. I’ll start writing short book reviews to share, especially with the mothers of young children who are so involved with childrens’ classes that they never make it to the women’s class.
With God’s Word
On Day 24, I wrote about how infinitely more powerful rejoicing is than complaining.
(Can’t view image? Click here to read Philippians 4:4!)
On Day 25, I wrote about simple, do-able ways to take time to draw near to God each day.
(Can’t view image? Click here to read Philippians 4:5!)
I need to let go of my expectations for what I “should” have done.
I need to Let God–not my own performance (or anyone else’s performance!)–be my reason to rejoice!
I need to let go of my frustrated “if only”s about de-cluttering or errand-running.
I need to Let God’s nearness bring gentleness to my heart! (Click to Tweet this.)
And Gratitude
from my journal:
Today I’m praying…
- … to continue de-cluttering, one item and one “baditude” at a time.
- … to stay alert to those I need to thank (especially those I prefer to avoid, like the dentist!)
Today I’m watching for…
- … an opportunity to show appreciation to Daniel (since I demonstrated my lack of appreciation rather clearly earlier.)
- … a chance to laugh together as a family; Christian Comedy night may well be in order!
Today I’m appreciating…
- … all the “stuff” I’ve been blessed with, especially in light of the families who have lost everything in fires this week.
- … the increase in peace and calm in my everyday ordinaries; when I stepped on the gas to grab a parking spot today, it felt odd, like I don’t think I do that any more.
Your Turn!
- What’s something you DID do today, this week, and/or this month that you can REJOICE about?
- What’s one way you are making a point to get/stay NEAR God?
- Other thoughts / reflections / insights on today’s topic?
you inspired me I did declutter some in my spare bed room
I too tend to focus too much on what I didn’t do. Your list of what you did do is wonderful though! Congratulations!
I think most people tend to focus on the negative. Not sure why but I know many people that do, myself included. I am trying very hard to focus on God by reading from my Bible everyday. I’m not always successful but I’m trying.