The Hit of a Finished Task List
A month ago I started using a new planner. It promised increased productivity and goal setting. I suppose it has been helpful. The first day I used its system of planning and executing I felt super efficient and accomplished. The high has worn off by now but I still love a finished task list.
The feeling of finishing what the day required. The burden of responsibilities lifted as they are handled ahead of schedule. The freedom on the other side of the lists action items.
Funny thing is that I set the list. I generate the tasks so how hard I work, or the amount of "productivity" is determined at my whim. Some days are easier to feel accomplished!
But when the list comes to an end there is a hit of success. Sure there is some chemical reason, maybe dopamine or something. The sense of relief of coming to the end. It feels good.
I wonder if this is why we are so list oriented when it comes to things best lived without a list. Like relationships and faith. In both we think we need to accomplish a set of items to earn love or approval. And I suppose that makes sense to an extent. But who wants to live a "love" relationship where everything is tit for tat? Transactional relationships miss the good stuff, the unconditional stuff.
Same thing in relationship to Jesus. i am convinced he will love me more if I finish this list of discipleship tasks, or if my church is bigger (my struggle), or if I share the gospel with at least three people a day... you know your list. And it gives us a hit of self righteous accomplishment but it misses the good stuff.
I want to dwell in the unconditional more because that is what I see when I encounter Christ in Scripture. Redemption received not because we finish a list, but because he loves. It's true for you too.
So set your task list for the day, and maybe make one item to "enjoy the grace of Jesus today" knowing that he accomplished the list required for eternity, for life with God.
The feeling of finishing what the day required. The burden of responsibilities lifted as they are handled ahead of schedule. The freedom on the other side of the lists action items.
Funny thing is that I set the list. I generate the tasks so how hard I work, or the amount of "productivity" is determined at my whim. Some days are easier to feel accomplished!
But when the list comes to an end there is a hit of success. Sure there is some chemical reason, maybe dopamine or something. The sense of relief of coming to the end. It feels good.
I wonder if this is why we are so list oriented when it comes to things best lived without a list. Like relationships and faith. In both we think we need to accomplish a set of items to earn love or approval. And I suppose that makes sense to an extent. But who wants to live a "love" relationship where everything is tit for tat? Transactional relationships miss the good stuff, the unconditional stuff.
Same thing in relationship to Jesus. i am convinced he will love me more if I finish this list of discipleship tasks, or if my church is bigger (my struggle), or if I share the gospel with at least three people a day... you know your list. And it gives us a hit of self righteous accomplishment but it misses the good stuff.
I want to dwell in the unconditional more because that is what I see when I encounter Christ in Scripture. Redemption received not because we finish a list, but because he loves. It's true for you too.
So set your task list for the day, and maybe make one item to "enjoy the grace of Jesus today" knowing that he accomplished the list required for eternity, for life with God.
Comments
Post a Comment