There are times I get to the end of the day and I think, “What did I accomplish today?”
Actually, I usually think, “I didn’t get anything accomplished today.”
Somewhere along the way I lost my To Do list. Or circumstances ran over my plans for the day. I want to find a red pen and mark the day with a big “F.”
Fail.
It’s funny — not “ha ha” funny, but pathetic — how crossing things off my list makes me feel fulfilled. Meaningful. Been-there-accomplished-that proud.
I beat back the laundry.I submitted edits to my publisher.I exercised.I went to physical therapy.
Maybe, just maybe, I’m asking the wrong question at the end of those “what did I accomplish” days. Maybe I should ask this question instead: Did I lighten anyone else’s burden today?
No day is wasted if I’ve considered the needs of others more important than my want-to-do list. I know how I feel when someone takes time out of their busy day to lighten my burden. I feel seen. Valued.
In Your Words: When has someone taken time to lighten your burden? How do remember to focus on others’ and not just your To Do list?
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Comments 8
You lighten my burden every day we walk with your words of encouragement, your listening ear and constant prayers!
Author
Our morning walks? The best way to start my day. 🙂
I love thinking of life as a success with the backdrop being lightening someone’s burden. I have a Facebook friend (who I’ve never met) who checks in almost every day. If we go more than a couple of days without messaging, she’ll send me a note, “Are you okay?” We’ve been “talking” like this for almost a year and it’s comforting. She’s helped lighten many burdens.
I’m happy you asked. 🙂
Author
Kim:
Isn’t it amazing how God blesses us with those “friends we’ve never met”? And how those friendships can be such an encouragement? I know we often bemoan the negative aspects of FB, but there are reasons to be thankful for it too — and you just highlighted one of the positive reasons to interact with others on FB.
I love FB for so many reasons, and friends like you and Jenine are two of them. It’s a special place over there.
Author
It is a special place over in FB-land because of friends like you, Kim.
There are no rights in this life, only responsibilities.
Sorry, not up to saying more.
Author
Andrew:
Praying for you. And I will say that you are one of those people who strives to lighten the burdens of others.