What Do You Need?

This weekend, I was looking at what seems to be a never-ending to-do list. As we discussed how exhausted we were from a late night attending Cassie’s latest performance, I made the statement that I what I want to do seems to be different from what I need to do.

And then I immediately stopped.

I realized it’s not always accurate to discuss what we want vs what we need. Sometimes, the struggle is a little more discrete.

My struggle was what I need to do vs what needs to be done.

You see, I had a to-do list. I still have a t0-do list. I have lots of things that need to be completed. Taxes. Writing. Prepping for a course. Work. Plan meals. Shop for groceries. There’s no end to what needs to be done.

But what did I really need this weekend?

Most likely, I really needed to take a deep breath, put away my to-do list, and rest.

How many times do we talk about what we need to do vs what we want to do? Is our want really a want? Or is it what we need to do?

For our mental health.

For our emotional health.

For our spiritual health.

For our social health.

I have come to the realization that even though I try to be very relationally-centered, the truth is it is easy to become task-oriented. This weekend, I was focused on the tasks that were clamoring for my attention instead of the true needs in my life.

What do I need?

Rest. Our world values busyness. We think the more we go, the more value our lives have. I know sometimes busyness is unavoidable such as in the case of a single mom.

But rest is of utmost important. God set the example at creation when he rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2). He commanded us to set aside a day of rest every week (Exodus 20:8). Jesus said He would give us rest (Matthew 11:28). The word rest actually appears in scripture between 200-300 times depending upon which version of scripture you read.

Rest is not optional; rest is a command. How are you doing at this necessity?

Relationships. God created us to live in community. When He created man, He created us to live in relationship with Him. When He saw the man was alone, He said it was not good so He created woman (Genesis 2:22). We are commanded not to forsake the gathering together (Hebrews 10:25). Christ made it a point to surround Himself with a group of people who loved and supported Him.

How much more should we follow that example. The right relationships help us become more like Him (Proverbs 27:17). They strengthen our faith. They provide encouragement in every area of life. Relationships are essential to helping us through the difficulties of this life.

Relationships are essential for our well-being.

Peace. Do you have peace? I’m in a difficult situation right now. I’m surrounded by people who experience a tremendous amount of anxiety. While I am not thrilled about the situation and would love to see things change, but I tend to just laugh and let it go. Why? Because His peace is the one thing that keeps me going.

Peace is a gift from God, a fruit of the Spirit that comes from being connected to God (Galatians 5:22-23). It comes from keeping my mind stayed on Him, by taking everything to Him (Philippians 4:6-8). It comes from keeping my mind focused on Him (Isaiah 26:3).

Peace is such a gift to life. Do you have it? What do you need to change to gain it?

There are so many other essentials in this life. Things such as forgiveness. Righteousness. Holiness. Joy. Love. Those are the things that we need. All the rest? Those are just things we may need to get done.

Don’t neglect what you need because of what needs to be done.  Take time to absorb what you need.

And just so you know, I’m still working on my to-do list. It hasn’t gone anywhere. It is still calling for my attention. But, it will be completed when I can get to it.