By default, as women, we are all multi-taskers. Our brains are wired to be able to access the right and left hemispheres at the same time and hop back and forth. Men’s brains are literally not wired that way, which is why they find it difficult to understand us at times. However, multi-tasking is not always good for us. Even though God designed us this way (probably because he knew how many irons we would have in the fire at once, so to speak) He did not design us to be stressed out and exhausted. The Bible says ” a heart at peace gives life to the body ” (Proverbs 14:30a). How often do we feel at peace when we look at the dishes in the sink, the laundry falling out of the hamper, the kids with dirty faces and hands, the tasks waiting for us at work (no matter if we work at home or not) and everything on our calendar? Not often if we are willing to be honest with ourselves. If peace is passing you by then it is time to look at your tasks and time. Being able to juggle all the tasks we have, we need to prioritize. Not all the multi-tasking is necessary, no matter what we may tell ourselves. There are things that need to be done that do not need to be done by you. There are things that need to be done that do not need to be done right now. There are things that need to be done but not until this stage of your life passes. The tasks that are left after evaluating your priorities need to organized into a plan- and then you must work the plan. Being a successful multi-tasking mama requires commitment to your plan. Having an organized and balanced life will not just happen. It is not a passive activity. But the effort will be well worth it. Peace to me means a simplified and balanced existence. Having a plan and priorities will help you get there. You will actually find yourself with more time when you have developed a plan that works for your family and streamlines your life. The overwhelming need to say “yes”, to expect ourselves to add another task to our multi-tasking juggling act can be self destructive. After you have determined your priorities and have your plan in place all activities, tasks, projects, etc. that come along need to be judged according to the priorities and plan you have established. Have the courage to say no to more tasks and yes to peace.
