but all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.
first Corinthians 14:40

i’ve been getting things in order.

no, i don’t expect to die soon. that’s not it.

it’s because i realized the significant toll “out of order” was taking on me. and i was weary of living stressed, frustrated, tired, crunched for time, and generally angry at people.

something had to change.

and that something was me.

in the scriptures, Jesus talks about peace. life. freedom. grace. “a Way” to live that hears, recognizes, discerns, and accomplishes the purposes of God.

well, to live that way i need to be available to hear and respond.

available meaning less busy. and having things in order.

i’m not talking about OCD order.

i’m talking about knowing what i have and where to find it. so that precious time is available when God invites me to partner with Him to serve someone. somewhere. for something eternal.

a few months ago, i spent a considerable amount of time organizing some key spaces in my home and classroom at school. i looked at patterns in my spending (money and time.) i prayed for wisdom, checked out a few websites, listened to several podcasts, and began to get some things in order.

i took an honest look at my schedule. some worthwhile things had to go, simply because i couldn’t afford the time/distance to continue. other things, like prayer time and bible study, were adjusted and increased, because time spent with God affects everything.

i took an internal inventory. asked God to show me what doesn’t look like Him. waited for answers. found some discouragement and disappointment. some unbelief. some idolatry. discovered some bitterness and resentment hiding. acknowledged. confessed. repented. invited Him into the empty spaces. thanked Him. and moved forward.

i’m also talking about knowing what i have “control” over and what i don’t.

i can’t control the way someone else treats me or the way they do relationship. i can control my response and how deeply i let their behavior soak in. i can control who i spend time with. and how much time.

certain spaces in my house are not within my control. my husband’s music room and shop area contain his belongings. he decides what goes, what stays, and how it is organized. so i can let that go. and focus on the areas within my control.

i cannot control when meetings and events are scheduled in my workplace. i can control how many hours i spend in my classroom after the workday has ended.

so i got some things in order…

i was not prepared for the instant benefits.

not at all.

suddenly i found myself with time on the weekends to plan and shop for meals.

i’ve established new boundaries for work, and these days i arrive home early enough to actually cook dinner.

i spend almost no time searching for materials at school or items at home. i know what i have and where to find it. i’m content in my home. i’m content in my classroom.

i’m getting to bed earlier, sleeping better. eating healthier.

i’m pretty sure i’m nicer to those around me. #fewer frustrations.

in the scriptures, Jesus says, “out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.”

in reality, what am i offering those around me?

what do i want to offer?

i want to offer peace. joy. love. faith. encouragement. i want to speak Life over others. i want those things to overflow.

and that wasn’t happening.

so i got some things in order.

and God is speaking.

and i am listening.

and responding.

and change is taking place.

from the inside out.