In a minute!
When I’m done with ….
Ask me tomorrow.
Ask your dad.
I’m too tired.
I can’t I’m working.
We’ll do it this weekend.

All necessary phrases at times, but they can easily slip into a dangerous default.

What’s the most important thing in your life? For me (and I’m willing to bet it’s yours too!) it’s connection with the people I love. And though there are necessary evils to-do’s like making dinner at a reasonable hour and mowing the lawn, and filling out that form for school right now so you don’t forget, I don’t want to miss the little moments of connection that scaffold to build relationships.

My to-do list is simply a guide, not the ultimate decision maker. I can do my best to steward the good things in my life and their accompanying responsibilities and pause to see the four year old’s epic Lego creation, or listen actively to the six year old’s explanation of his treasure chest prototype, or watch the two year old’s big jump that she is so proud of. These things cannot be pushed to tomorrow’s list.

My challenge for myself today is to take off my short-sighted, “get it done at all costs” glasses and re-center on what matters.