Chunking the Checklist

 I feel hypocritical in writing this because, at this time, I have at least ten sticky notes of various colors and possibly even shapes on my desk. A few checklists are lying around as well. Some are written on the backs of envelopes, on leftover copies, and some, in desperation, are placed on a leftover fast-food napkin or superstore receipt. Each one reminds me of a task that needs my "immediate attention. As I survey the vast array of colorful, well-meaning notes that will guide my every moment if I allow them to, I feel a bit bogged down. Call this person ASAP - as if the world will stop turning if I don't. Look into this… type this, send this, organize this, respond to this. Where did I learn to be driven by checklists? 

This condition may have materialized as a youth. My roots as a child were definitely biblically conservative. As early as eight years old, each week, I received a little envelope with boxes to check that showed what I had accomplished the previous week in my spiritual life. Had I prayed? Did I save money to give to the church? Did I read my Sunday school lesson? Did I read the Bible? Did I invite someone to church? I tried to meet this weekly checklist of do-good opportunities. Still, for some weeks, I needed help to get all the boxes checked, and in reality, some boxes were left unchecked, causing me to feel like a failure. The dreaded cycle repeated itself week after week.

As an adult, I realize that dependence on checklists and extensive notetaking can't be blamed on checking boxes on those weekly envelopes. In addition, random notes scribbled on fast food napkins or receipts from superstores are really a struggle within myself to balance faithfulness in work without it leading to an obsession that screams self-reliance and places me as the queen of everything in my life - as if I know how to order and manage them most effectively. Obviously, that is not the case, or there would not be tons of them covering my desk, taped to my phone, stored in my electronic notes, and, at times, written on the back of my hand on Friday afternoon!

The scripture doesn't denounce organization; somewhat, it reminds us of its source—the one who called it all into order by His very voice, and without a single sticky note. God, the Father of all who will place their trust in Christ is the source of all things including timelines, checklists, and yes, sticky notes. He is the one who equips us and picks us up when we fall short or find ourselves in disarray. He is our constant. 

I will likely continue to make checklists and purchase lots of sticky notes. Yet, one list will be a permanent fixture each week while other checklists are crossed off.  

Forget checking the boxes.

Get alone daily with God to read His word and understand what He says. 

Worship God every day - not just on Sundays. 

Continue to give as God leads me to realize that nothing, I have really belonged to me apart from His blessing. 

Share God with others in some way every single day.

This checklist will be the last to be completed. Its presence in my life will encourage me to continually do the work He has called me to until I am complete in Him.

"Obeying your instructions brings as much happiness as being rich. I will study your teachings and follow in your footsteps. I will take pleasure in your laws and remember your words."

Psalm 119, 14-15, (ESV)