5 Ways to Handle a Busy Schedule

My husband and I are in full-time ministry, and just like you, we are busy. Like you, we struggle with time management, priorities, and just getting the daily list done sometimes. Some days the pressure comes, and it honestly seems no way to get it all done. As the holidays approach, you may find you have to drop some things and add other things. None of us can do it all. Wherever you may be on this struggle to juggle, maybe some of these ideas will help you as they’ve helped me.

1. Make a list– You don’t need a fancy planner to make lists. Use the notes on your phone or other apps. Sticky notes still work great for me. Whatever you use, you will find a sense of accomplishment for every task marked off or deleted.

2.Set the timer – When pressure comes, setting a timer moves my focus from all the tasks. The focus shifts to the task at that moment, and it never ceases to amaze me the satisfaction that comes after a 20-minute time frame. Repeat as needed.

3. Turn on background music – Calm music gives me a sense of being in charge and the manager of my world. It also makes the job more pleasant.

4. Pray – Talk to Jesus everywhere you go. Even when you work from home, talk to Him. When I lose something, I ask Him to help me find it. When I can’t find it, my frustration level doesn’t get out of control, but often I find it. Have you ever paused to ask the Lord to redeem the time? Ask God to be in charge of all you do; how you sound on the phone and talk with others is a good start.

5. Listen to inspire- If you are running errands, choose what you let in your brain. Car time can get the best of you. You can end up with road rage or poor thoughts. Focus your mind on beautiful music. Use your phone to listen to the Bible. Wholesome audiobooks take me to a pleasant place.

Not all days are going to be productive in terms of a list. I’ve sat at my desk at the end of a day with nothing marked off my list. That’s when I think the Lord had another plan for that day.

As the holiday season looms on the horizon, it’s essential to keep some of your usual routines. It’s also good to be open to eliminating some other things which send you to your crazy place. Remember to focus on your relationship with God and place this as a priority if it isn’t. God is the one who gives you your life, and honoring Him is a daily joy.

But do everything properly and in order. I Corinthians 14:40