souldare

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9-11 ESV)

Eating s’mores around the campfire is one of my favorite summer treats. Writing lists is one of my favorite ways to quickly collect my thoughts on paper. Thinking about what I’d rather be doing is one of my all time favorite ways of passing time.

This afternoon I am passing time by catching up on my “30 Days of Lists” quest, which has ushered me into the early days of summer.

Here are the lists from the past few days:

A Few of My Favorite Things (Or a Gratitude List): I love summer! Sitting by the pool, drinking ice cold lemonade, riding my bike, relaxing in our hammock, boating the Mississippi River, spending time with my husband, extended family and friends, being outdoors, reconnecting with the Creator of the Universe in His creation, a more relaxed pace . . . these things and more generate thankfulness in my heart.

Reasons that I Make/Like Lists: Listing things is a way of listening for me. My idea generating mind needs a concrete way to document my thoughts quickly; lists help me capture ideas, lists bring me joy as I notice the variety within a topic, lists help me remember what to do, what to buy, what to pack, what comes next. Some lists are linear like a weekly calendar, others are random like “why I like lists.” I make lists to keep track of things, to remind myself of the abundant life I have been given, to celebrate milestones, to celebrate God’s grace, to celebrate life. Lists are an easy way to manage unruly thoughts that chug through my mind over and over again. Lists help me download information. I make lists to capture my vibrant imagination. Listing things is a way of seeing for me.

Things I’d Rather Be Doing Right Now: reading a book, watching a cooking show or a good movie, eating popcorn, drinking ice cold lemonade, making a list of what vacations I’d like to go on or of what books I’d like to read this summer, enjoying a custard from Ted Drewes, visiting the zoo to see the new polar bear exhibit, riding my bike, lounging in my hammock, thinking about new things I’d like to put in a list

What are a few of your favorite things? Why do you make lists? What would you rather be doing right now?

I just thought of another reason that I like lists; they’re FUN!