Getting Things Done

     Every now and then God gently taps you on the shoulder and reminds you of what life is all about. I got just such a tap the other day. It was a day when there was too many errands to run, too much work to do and not enough time in the day to do it. I was rushed, stressed, and irritable. I even snapped at my kids to hurry up and get ready for school as I worried about how I was ever going to get everything done that day.

     It was then, however, that I got my gentle tap on the shoulder. Actually, it was more of a one two punch from my furry friends. As I stood there frowning with worry and tensed up with stress I felt a sticking in my left leg. At the same time my right hand suddenly felt warm and wet. I looked down and found one of my cats with her claws on my knee looking up with that scratch my head look in her eyes. When I turned to my right I saw my drooling Saint Bernard nuzzling in for a few pets himself. I smiled at my loving, furry friends and at the same time heard God’s gentle voice in my mind saying: "You are not here to get things done. You are here to love."

     I thanked God for the reminder as the stress disappeared and the worry faded away. I gave each of my kids a hug before heading out to start the day. I still had a lot to do, of course, but now I did it with a smile on my face. I sang joyously along with the music in my car as I ran my errands. I did my work at home happily and easily taking several breaks to pet my dogs, hold my cats, look at the Fall leaves, and to tell God just how much I loved Him. I got everything done with time to spare and most importantly I did it all blissfully, peacefully, and lovingly.

     The next time that the stress of getting things done starts to build up inside you then take a break and remember why you are really here. In the end it is the love we share, the joy we spread, and the happiness we create that matters. Those are the things God wants us to get done.

~ Joseph J. Mazzella ~

[ by: Joseph J. Mazzella (joecool@wirefire.com) -- {used with permission} ]