Last night, we welcomed 2011 around the dinner table. My whole family …which is kinda rare since we have older (read: busy) children. We talked through the typical New Year’s Eve questions – things like ‘best thing about 2010′ and ‘worst thing about 2010′ and then my minister man asked what each of us thought ACF should be doing in 2011. Great question. Interesting answers.
After that, I decided to ask my family a question. Because, as I explained a few days ago, I’ve been a little lost lately. I asked them: What do you think I should be doing in 2011?
They each had somewhat similar leanings for my life but it was my son, Will 3, that completely got me. And cracked me up. He said:
From what I see, you need these 4 things in your life to be fulfilled:
#1. Riding …
Yes. Matter of fact, there is no quicker way to change my outlook than a barn visit. Here’s Kinetic, the horse Sara and I ride. Oh dear God – thank you for a husband that sees the value in the expense.
#2. A good 50 – 60% of waking hours at home.
I laughed when he said this … but it’s true. I love home. For me, domesticity is sweet. (Took this yesterday of the violets on my desk. Full bloom. Delightful!) But it’s not just home for home’s sake. It’s because – the people I love most live here. And that is what led me to have this hard, awkward conversation with my boss.
#3. A flexible schedule … so you can drop and run.
Um, yes. And I wish I’d had this one in mind when our daughter Emily landed in the hospital ER late one night last month. Gratefully, my minister man came to the rescue in a big way … but I do feel like it’s more my job. As my mom said, Someone has to be the hub of the wheel at home. And I think that should be me. So, I need the flexibility to drop and run … and be a mom. And a wife. And, yes, even a homemaker.
#4. A creative outlet
And yes, again, my fine psych major son. A creative outlet is uber important to me. That’s why I spend time writing. It’s why I’ve partnered with several publishers … authoring books. I have a message. But it’s not words for words sake … rather (hopefully), it’s words for your sake.
I want to encourage you.
I want to encourage you to know your self. To make good decisions. To live the life that sits well with your soul – and the people you love most. I hope to encourage you to please God in what you do. As I seek to do the same.
So, dear friend …
What are the 4 things you should be doing in 2011?
PS. Here’s a Happy New Year Giveaway :)
thankful for last minute things :: The Joy Challenge
This post inspired me to write my own. Thanks. :) http://www.heatherncompany.com/2011/01/4-things-you-should-be-doing-in-2011.html
Oops! Sorry, didn’t see where my comment had “taken” the other day. :)
Great post, Susie, and it made me take a few minutes to determine what my “4″ should be. I created my own post that you can find here –> http://www.heatherncompany.com/2011/01/4-things-you-should-be-doing-in-2011.html
Thanks for your inspiration! :)
Thanks for the writing a post about it. :)
Hoping you find your 4 …
First, I think I need more time reading my Bible and lots of pretty colored pens and stuff to mark it up to my heart’s content. Then I’m gonna steal your #2 and #4. Then I need to give myself permission to do these things without feeling guilty because I just can’t get past the feeling that unless somebody outside my family is paying me to work, I’m not being a good steward of my time.
Wow, Susie. You always are so authentic and vulnerable. This question has me thinking.
My 2011 mantra is going to be: DO LESS
1. Eat less
2. Spend less
3. Dream less but take more baby-steps
4. Talk less
Less. I like that Connie.
I think I’ll say worry less.
Susie, great post! Thought provoking…I’m going to have to think about and prioritize my list but it will probably look something like this:
1) Spend as much time as I can with my husband having date nights and family time dates with the 3 of us since Ken will be deploying to Afghanistan for 1 year in Oct 2011.
2) Be disciplined about writing and finishing my book. (Set a deadline?)
3) Take risks for Jesus and get out of my comfort zone. Don’t tell Him why I can’t do something; just ask Him how he wants me to do it?
4) Get back into shape! (e.g. start running again!)
Wow – a thought provoking post Susie! I’m going to be thinking about this…what it means for me. I loved your son’s comment about a “good 50-60% of waking hours at home.” I LOVE to be at home as well!!
… and today is a fabulous day to be at home with family. Yes? :)
So well spoken.
For me, the four things I need to do in 2011 are:
1. Take time for myself.
2. Get my house in a condition where I can truly love it.
3. Take more chances instead of playing it safe.
4. Walk
Love #3. Might be adding that to my 2011 list.