ABC's of Motherhood

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D is for "do the next thing"

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As an exceptionally busy mom I often look around me in utter frustration at the many things and people that need my attention.  My mind spins and I can feel a little panic rising in my throat--maybe you've been there.  

The best way I know of to combat this feeling is to just keep going steadily.  Look for the closest thing that can be done and just begin.  Before you know it you will have accomplished a lot, and that panicky feeling will have disappeared.  

I first heard this poem on a radio broadcast by Elisabeth Elliot.  It didn't mean much to me then as a young wife with no little children.  Now, almost 15 years later it's beginning to make perfect sense.

Do The Next Thing

From an old English parsonage,
Down by the sea,
There came in the twilight,
A message to me;
Its quaint Saxon legend,
Deeply engraven,
Hath, as it seems to me,
Teaching from Heaven.
And on through the hours
The quiet words ring
Like a low inspiration-
DO THE NEXT THING

Many a questioning, many a fear,
Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment,
Let down from Heaven,
Time, opportunity,
Guidance, are given.
Fear not tomorrows,
Child of the King,
Trust them with Jesus,
DO THE NEXT THING

Do it immediately;
Do it with prayer;
Do it reliantly, casting all care;
Do it with reverence,
Tracing His Hand,
Who placed it before thee with
Earnest command.
Stayed on Omnipotence,
Safe 'neath His wing,
Leave all resultings,
DO THE NEXT THING

Looking to Jesus, ever serener,
(Working or suffering)
Be thy demeanor,
In His dear presence,
The rest of His calm,
The light of His countenance
Be thy psalm,
Strong in His faithfulness,
Praise and sing,
Then, as He beckons thee,
DO THE NEXT THING

-Author unknown