Years ago, I had a friend named Mark who shared a story about how to focus on one thing at a time. We met in a twelve-step program, so I'm sharing a lesson he learned from his sponsor.

One day Mark faced a very long to-do-list and he found himself so overwhelmed by the list that it immobilized him. He simply didn't know where to start--so he didn't. He phoned his sponsor to tell him of the many things that required his attention, expecting sympathy and confirmation that anyone with a list that long would be overwhelmed. But instead, he replied, "Wow! That's some list. What are you going to do first?"

And that is how it's done. No matter how many demands life places on you today, you are only capable of completing one thing at a time. Start with one thing or you most likely won't start at all. Ask God to order your steps today and prioritize your to-do-list.

When the weight of my own to-do-list presses down on me, I stop everything and kneel before God. It is there that I receive the ability to move forward, and leave my anxiety with Him. Did you know that it's possible to be productive and not feel pressured?

I encourage you to offer God the pressure of daily demands and in exchange, receive rest for your soul. And then, ask, "What shall I do first?"

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My Yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11" 28-30 NKJV)

note: Mark died several years ago due to health complications. He remained clean and sober and though he was in an environment where many sought "a higher power of their own understanding", only God Himself knows how many hearts Marc gently led to Christ.

Functioning through an emotional crisis almost never looks the way we want it to. I've learned to make SHORT lists of what needs to happen each day and let the small stuff go. Always begin your day with this simple prayer: God, help me! Amen.

Now, for the list:

1. Feed your kids and yourself something nutritional
   
2. Stay hydrated: drink 6-8 glasses of water a day (large amounts of coffee and diet soda do not count. They will dehydrate you, which increases fatigue.)
3. Sleep. If you have insomnia: See a doctor, don't attempt to go months without R.E.M sleep. Trust me, you'll lose your ability to cope
4. Allow yourself an early bedtime; the dishes can wait
5. Reserve  time to recharge. Take thirty minutes each day to elevate your feet and breath deeply (true elevation means that your feet must be higher than your heart)

If your wondering why I didn't list things like go to work and pay the bills, it's because if you let the previous five things go, chances are, sooner or later you'll lose the mental faculties to accomplish the others.

I have more to say on the subject, but blogs are supposed to be kept short. I'll make this a series.

Question: What areas go neglected in your life?