Helpful Lists
I am a list maker. I love lists. I cannot function without lists of things to do at work and home, and I plan vacation travel by making lists of activities to enjoy. Sometimes my lists drive other people crazy, but they don’t have to read my lists — I create them for my eyes and no one else.
I also love sticky notes. I have learned that they are a very helpful tool for placing lists in the right places so that I can see them where and when I need to see them. If I need to remember to bring a treat to work to celebrate a colleague’s birthday, I have to put the list on the door leading to the garage so that I won’t forget to take the brownies that I baked the night before as I leave for work. A sticky note on my purse reminds me to buy milk and bread.
Lists help guide me to what is important. Sometimes I make lists for: Articles to Review, Things to Think About, Considerations for the Future, Ideas to Develop, Old Friends to Contact, Great Movies I Want my Kids to See, and more. Lists get my attention and focus. They help point me to what I want to concentrate on and explore.
The Apostle Paul included an insightful list in his letter to the believers in Philippi — “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Phil 4:8) I really love this list! What a great reminder of how we should concentrate and guide our thought life.
A proverb in the Old Testament shares, “As a man thinks, so he is.” (Prov 23:7) In many ways, I believe we are what we think. Thoughts often drive actions. Attitudes and beliefs lead to choices and decisions, and our behavior becomes a reflection of who we are.
My heart longs to concentrate and invest my time in what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, gracious, excellent and worthy of praise. This is a list that can help guide me to a grounded, healthy, joy-filled life. I long to think on these things — I want this list to become a compass for my thoughts.
If I begin to explore each of these areas with enthusiasm and vigor, I am most certain that my thoughts will seek new experiences and horizons that I cannot begin to fathom. My mind and heart can soar with the very best that God has to offer in the here and now. Will you join me? Think on these things.
