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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
