Multi-Task with Structure

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;  persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.  2 Corinthians 4:8-10

The other day, somebody said to me, “The life of a mom is multitasking, that is what we do.” I said, “Yes, I know exactly what you mean, moms always have so much going on at one time.” But I think back to that statement…that is such an incorrect statement. Any WOMAN, not just moms, multitask. We do a disservice to women in general, when we say things like that. As women, we are natural multitaskers, we always have our minds going 100 miles a minute. I think as a woman of God, how can I multitask, but do it effectively. The above verse reminds me that no matter what I do, not matter how “hard pressed” I am, God is with me. However, a big HOWEVER is that God wants us to have an abundant life, but how? How can I live a busy life, but not be crushed by the demands of life?

My Pastor is preaching a great sermon series titled “Breathing Room.” A couple of points that stood out to me are as follows.

1.

In order for you to have ‘breathing room’ and have an abundant life, you have to have structure. To be successful and fruitful in any area of our life, and especially in multitasking we must have a structure in place. “Wherever there is poor structure, there will be a breakdown.” -Pastor Tony   We must have “structure”  in our life. This is not just a suggestion from God, its a command. The Bible verse that comes to my mind is, “Let all things be done decently and in order.”-1 Corinthians14:40 No matter what we do, we have to have a “system” or “structure” of doing it, especially if we want to have a successful life.  Whether you are a millionaire, superstar or stay at home mom…we all get 24 hours a day, we must use every minute wisely. We can’t just say, “I want to have a successful career and be a millionaire, ” if we don’t have any structure in our lives. Think about “fit” people. They have to have a structure in place for their lives. For example, they eat healthy, exercise, and get enough rest. If you want to have a healthy lifestyle, you must implement the following things.

2.

The more you want to accomplish in your life, the more structure you have to have. We have to be disciplined to be effective. We have to get the rest we need, so that our minds work effectively. We need to do some kind of exercise to keep healthy and feel good about ourselves. We need to eat well balanced meals. We all feel better when we take care of our bodies. Women, we give and give and give until we are all worn out. We have to put the “oxygen mask” on ourselves first, before we try to help others. Think for a minute…what were some of your New Year’s Resolutions? We made them in January and didn’t keep them. Start today and put structure in your life. You made those resolutions for a reason. The important thing is, forgive yourself and keep it moving. I find for myself that I need to put together a “to do list” daily. It may sound redundant to write them down, but even little things that you take for granted, write them down. Since I am busy, multitasking, I may forget something because I’ve got so much going in my mind that I forget things that I should remember. Even if you start small with structure, start with that and watch the results start coming.

3.

Follow Jesus’ example. Jesus had a structured way of prayer. He got up early and went alone and prayed. It’s time, Ladies! In order to multitask effectively, we have to put God first. Start your day with Him. Before you do anything else, and that includes looking at your phone for text message or Facebook notifications, get up and say “Thank You Jesus” and start your day with prayer. If you can, get alone and pray and read your Bible. Talk to Him. Your day will go much better if you start it talking to your Best Friend. You may be asking, okay Xochil, where do I start with this structure thing in my busy life? Ask God. He tells us in James 1:5, ”If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” He has created you! He knows you, He knows your busy life. But He waits for you to ask Him. Friend, go to Him with a heart filled with FAITH and EXPECTANCY  that when you ask God for wisdom, He delights to give it to you.