Day 12 - Now is the Time: Organization
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)
Does anyone else feel excited about what’s going to happen this year? I am giddy with anticipation, and I don’t even know what is to come. What I do know, is that whatever dreams or aspirations you have, wherever you see yourself going, and however you view your future, it’s time to start preparing NOW.
We’re almost halfway through the month, and there’s no more time to waste – it’s time to take a step forward into what God has for you. Forget the mistakes and failures of the past. While you’re busy thinking about what you could have said or done differently in 2018, God has already started initiating His plans for you in 2019.
Since it’s Saturday today, it’s the perfect day to put your energy towards organizing. Organization can help you remove unnecessary stressors and detractors, and gather and relocate all your tools for success. So, remove the clutter, and begin the physical and mental process of starting new. Organize your thoughts, your goals, your house, your desk, your car, your computer, etc. Proverbs 13:4 says: “The soul (appetite) of the lazy person craves and gets nothing [for lethargy overcomes ambition], But the soul (appetite) of the diligent [who works willingly] is rich and abundantly supplied.” (AMP) So, don’t let laziness* stop you from doing the small things like cleaning and organization that can help advance you to where you need to be.
*Let’s talk about the word “lazy” for a moment. Lazy, to me, means actively decided NOT to do something when we have the time, resources, energy, etc. to do so. Some of us, especially those with fatigue as it relates to chronic illnesses, are unable to do activities like cleaning because we just don’t have the energy. That’s not laziness, that’s listening to your body. Similarly, disorganization and uncleanliness can be a symptom of depression. The inability to gather the motivation to take care of yourself and your environment are signs that should not be ignored. Please seek help if you believe you may be suffering from depression (if needed, you can email me directly at contact@amandahughley.com for counseling resources).
Last weekend, I enlisted the help of my husband to help organize and clean out our basement after we put away our Christmas decorations (Thank you, Jonathan!). It seems small and obscure, but mess and disorganization in any capacity throw off my entire spirit. In 2019, I simply can’t afford to worry about or be thrown off by a messy room. If you’re anything like me in this regard, pick a room or area and start cleaning.
We’ll spend the next few days discussing tangible ways of organizing, setting goals, and how to ensure success in the areas we want to focus on this year. Happy Organizing!
Food for Thought: What areas of your life need organization? Regardless of what they are, you’ll need one definite resource: time. Set aside or schedule time now to get your affairs in order. If you need to clean, set aside enough time to do so thoroughly, and consider enlisting the help of others. Remember, if you suffer from chronic pain, don’t overdo it, and take breaks! If you need to organize your thoughts, implement some “me time.” This means quiet time ALONE to hear yourself, talk to God, and begin sorting out the things that have just been floating around in your mind; spa time, retreating to a quiet space (somewhere you won’t be distracted), or taking a drive (not during rush hour!) can all provide you with this space. Start preparing now for what’s ahead!