Morning light streamed through my window as I trudged toward the calendar in my closet. What am I doing today? Oh yeah, I’m still working on my “one goal” challenge of connecting with Jesus throughout the day.
My eyes zeroed in on today’s square—a doctor’s appointment at 3 p.m. Can’t miss that. And I have to pay some bills today, too. Since spending time with Jesus was my number one priority, I’d just have to work at doing these other necessities without forgetting about God. But how?
After getting myself ready for the day, I meandered into the family room and looked around. Now, what am I doing next? Oh yeah, connecting with Jesus. My stomach grumbled, coaxing me toward the kitchen. “Thank you, Jesus, for food in the cupboards, and all you’ve provided.” I poured myself a bowl of cereal, and then sat down with my Bible to eat, read, and pray.
As I loaded my cereal bowl into the dishwasher, I thought okay, what am I doing next? Connecting with Jesus, still! “Okay, God, what should I do next?” I looked at the clock—just enough time to pay the bills before the mail came. “Thanks for reminding me, Jesus.” I got out my checkbook and looked at the balance. “And thank you for providing the money to pay these.” I picked up a pen and set my mind to the task.
Awhile later, I slipped the envelopes into the mailbox then turned back toward my front door. Okay, that’s done. What next? “Connect with Jesus” echoed in my head.
Oh no. I hadn’t thought about God since I thanked him for his provision. But, hey, in the past I’d always gotten caught up in what I was doing and forgotten about God for the rest of the day. At least now I was remembering to connect.
Throughout the rest of the day, I was surprised at how many times I stopped and asked myself “What am I doing next?” I now see this as a built-in reminder to connect with Jesus. After years of unsuccessfully striving to remember to talk to God throughout even one day, I’m excited about how easy this is when connecting is my only goal.
The Never Ending Gifts 
Dear Kris, I love this post! It reminds me to think “What am I doing next? Oh, right, connecting with Christ!” Thank you for the time and effort you put into these posts. They are so valuable to me, as you are to me too.
By: Christine on August 31, 2013
at 6:50 pm
Thanks so much again for your encouraging words. You’re a great friend! And so glad you liked the post, although I’m not surprised since we think so much alike. 🙂
By: Kris Lindsey on September 1, 2013
at 9:49 pm
Good stuff Kris! Always looking for simple methods to “remind” me to keep Jesus FIRST in my day. Like the simple “What next?” question. thanks
By: trishcraig on September 1, 2013
at 1:18 am
Hey, Trish, thanks for stopping by my blog. I’m doing a 21 day challenge where I only have one goal each day–to connect with Jesus. It’s so much easier to remember when it’s my only goal! And these days I need all the help I can to remember anything! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. I always appreciate your “cheerleading” gift!
By: Kris Lindsey on September 1, 2013
at 9:53 pm
Thank you for the valuable reminder to keep my connection with Jesus alive and active! Good post, Kris.
By: Sue Tornai on September 1, 2013
at 4:39 pm
Hi Sue. This challenge to work on staying connected to Jesus came from the Inspire Conference. I missed seeing you there. Hope to talk with you soon, and thanks for your encouraging comments.
By: Kris Lindsey on September 2, 2013
at 1:37 pm
Takes 30 days to make a habit. 🙂 I had a friend who set her watch (or cell phone) to buzz every hour to remind her to pray or connect. Enjoyed the post. Great way to start my week.
By: Karen Foster on September 1, 2013
at 4:57 pm
Thanks for the suggestions, Karen. I’ve thought of the watch alarm idea, but my watch never had that feature. The cell phone idea might work, though. Maybe I’ll try it and see. Thanks for encouraging me with your comments!
By: Kris Lindsey on September 2, 2013
at 1:02 pm