The laundry is still unfolded, the emails unanswered, the to-do list undone. I sigh and ask, “Have I been productive at all today?”
Anxiety and accusations are the only response. So I pray, “God, what lie am I believing? And what’s the truth that replaces it?” This is a new habit I’m practicing. It’s uncomfortable and hard.
Yet in that quiet moment it seems my heart hears a reassuring whisper…
Life isn’t about being productive. It’s about being purposeful.
I’ve often believed the lie that God’s first priority is what I can produce: a basket of neatly folded laundry, a dozen email responses, a to-do list with check marks. But the truth is there are things that matter just as much or more. Like feeding my granddaughter waffles while she giggles in her high chair, going for a walk with my husband, brainstorming an idea that may never turn into anything.
Just because something doesn’t have tangible results doesn’t mean it doesn’t have eternal impact.
I’m no longer going to ask myself, “Have I been productive today?” Instead I’m going to ask, “Have I been purposeful?” To me that simply means living in love. Sometimes love looks like laundry and answering email and checking off what’s on my list. Those are good and worthy things. But often it looks like the exact opposite, like we’ve done “nothing” at all. And that’s okay too.
Our work doesn’t determine our worth. Our accomplishments don’t earn us God’s acceptance. Our value isn’t validated by our hustle. We are already and always loved.
Whew. I needed to remember that today. You too? Now I’ve got some laundry to do…
XOXO,
Holley
You’re invited! Join me this January for a *free* Online Bible Study! There will be exclusive gifts and giveaways just for members. I would love to walk with you through Strong, Brave, Loved: Empowering Reminders of Who You Really Are. Get on the Waiting List for the Online Bible Study here, and feel free to invite your friends to join us.
On today’s episode of More than Small Talk, we’re chatting about common challenges this time of year and how to prepare for them so we can have less stress and more joy. Listen to Episode 49: Hustle-Less Holidays here.
