A word about lists and an invitation

I write lists. These lists are my daily reminders of things I need to do -- tasks mostly. . . .

Pick up the mail
Call about phone bill
Write thank you to Allegra's teacher
Work on new assignment
Photo copy documents for insurance company
and so on...

But, lists sometimes controlled my day so much that I forgot to live in-between checking or scratching off the tasks from the list. The day became a group of tasks that I proudly completed, and then came the sunset, and the day was gone.

It wasn't every day, but some felt that way. And, the problem wasn't that the tasks didn't need to be done. It was just that they become the focus and the day became about the tasks. I felt like the destination was a completed list and that somehow, in reaching the destination, I had missed the beauty of the journey.

I wanted the journey and all the things that go with living in the moment. I wanted to live and feel and enjoy the moments--the loving, laughing, listening, feeling, seeing--that happen when we journey out into the world and enter into relationship with others and God.

So, I starting making my lists not just about tasks, but about living the journey. My first list included the following along with the usual "to dos":

Seek God in little things
Listen more carefully to everything

I found that I did those things. And the other "to dos" on the list took on more meaning--when I cleaned the kitchen, I heard the beautiful sound of water running and my heart beating. I heard the music in the dishes clanging as I stacked them in the cupboard. And, while I was working, I heard the birds sing and praised God for their presence and music.

And, so I thought I would share my daily list. Just two things everyday that I would add to my to do list. And, then blog about how -- or whether -- I accomplished those little "to dos"-- and how they made life a little more about living.

I hope you will feel free to join me in my journey. Make your own "to dos" or follow mine daily--and add your own observations about how they made life a little more about living.