I added some items to my grocery list. Then I switched a load of towels from the washer to the dryer and started folding Rachel’s clothes that were dry. I made a list of the errands I needed to run before I picked up the big kids from school. And then I finished folding Rachel’s clothes. I sent an email, responded to a text, and wondered what else I needed to do. I gathered Cate’s piano books and Ben’s soccer clothes so I could put them in the minivan. My productivity slowed as I scrolled through Instagram, but I was reminded of something I wanted to post on Facebook. I crossed off items on my calendar and then added some more.
This is how my week started off.
I’m hosting a retreat with my writer friends who have become so much more than that this weekend. My husband turns 40 the following weekend. Then my oldest daughter turns 11 two weeks after that. And my own birthday is in between theirs. There are end-of-school things making their way onto my calendar. Everyone has some kind of appointment or two coming up. Rachel is doing more swim lessons and I’m doing a study on 1 John at my bonus church.
I’ve been keeping my calendar close and have mixed feelings when I look at it.
But I’m choosing to enjoy all the things because they fall into what-matters-to-me categories. {Tweet that.}
“What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
While I was driving around Monday conquering my list of errands, I listened to Annie Downs’ podcast interview with Alli Worthington and jotted down some notes on a scrap piece of paper when I got to a red light. Alli talked about priorities using crystal balls and rubber balls. I’ve been thinking about this illustration ever since: Crystal balls have to be held because they could break, but the rubber balls can bounce.
My mind was scattered as skipped around from one thing to the next. I struggled to focus on the one next thing. So I made a list, and then I found freedom as I was navigating that list one errand and task at a time.
I thought about what God has taught me and given me and spoken into my life. I reminisced about God’s faithfulness to supply every need (Phi. 4:19). I held onto God’s peace that passes all understanding (Phil. 4:7).
The crystal balls are always my husband and kids. This week I’m adding the retreat to what needs to be held. The rubber balls of upcoming parties and appointments can bounce today. The household chores and preparing a gourmet dinner can bounce for a little while.
We went about our busy afternoon of piano lesson, errands, dinner, and soccer practice. I remembered I’m grateful for these opportunities for my kids, the choice we make to eat dinner together even when we have to go different directions afterward, and the ability to let some balls bounce. I recognized my house may be messier than I prefer, but my soul felt tidy. My calendar was crowded, but my heart knew which balls were worth holding.
And that’s a life practice I want to keep showing up for.
*****
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What a great concept, Kristin…the crystal balls and rubber balls. I needed to hear that today. Blessings to you!
This is a message I need to hold onto myself, so I’m glad it could encourage you too, Sarah! Thanks for being here.
Kristin, I remember reading the concept of the bouncing ball years ago but … what a great reminder for today! Thank you!
I had never heard that analogy, and it really hit home with me this week. I’m glad you could be encouraged too, my friend. xo
What a great analogy! Thank God for the flexibility of some balls that bounce.
The analogy has been really good for my soul this week. I’m glad you’re here, Barbara!
Kristin, you seem to have a pretty good handle on the crystals and the bouncers. The 95% and the 5%!!! Proud of you gal.
Oh, I really appreciate you saying that. Thank you, my friend. xo
Wow, Kristin, this very visual image helps me to sort through my brain and my list with a little more confidence today!
Blessings to you!
That’s exactly how it was for me when I heard it the other day. I’m glad that happened for you too. xo
Great analogy! I’ve never heard this before. I always appreciate visual pictures that help me to process differently. This was fascinating!
I hadn’t either, but it’s exactly what I need. Thanks for your kind comment, Rachel. I’m glad you could be encouraged here today.
Wow, Kristin! The Lord is really getting my attention. My post that I just published is about this very thing! I love the idea of rubber balls and crystal balls! Such a great visual!
I’m going to read your post now … 🙂 Thanks for being here, Emily!
I like this line: ” I recognized my house may be messier than I prefer, but my soul felt tidy.” Such a good truth there and reminder to hold onto the things that really matter— letting the other things bounce. Thanks for this idea!
You’re welcome! I’m glad you can use this truth too. Thanks for being here, Rachel.
Oh I love the analogy of the crystal and bouncy balls. So great! Also, I’m dying to know what your “bonus church” is. Like a church you do midweek bible studies at or something?
So we go to a small church that I love in many ways, but there’s not Bible studies or Sunday school for adults. My kids go to a private school that’s housed in a big church’s old building, so many families from that church go to the school and we’ve become friends. I go to a Precept study there. My kids have been to VBS with them too. It’s a good perk for a small church girl. 🙂
I just listened to that episode and that quote TOTALLY resonated with me. #butofcourseitdid #weretwins
Her interviews this year are everything I didn’t know I needed. I’m happy to be your twin! 🙂