Lists . . .

I'm a list person.
This means, I like to make endless lists of things to do, places to be, things to read or watch or listen to, meals to cook . . . the list goes on, you get the picture.
Lists are one way I keep the jumbled mess of information in my mind straight.
Lists are straight-forward.
Succinct.
 Which is why I love verses like this one I read this morning:
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12
A list!
Believe it or not, the Bible is full of them.
And granted, while this list involves a bit more heart and soul work than just "feed the cats, make the beds, do the dishes . . . " it is still a simple set of instructions given by an equipping Father who does not leave us in the dark about what we are to do and how we are to live out our Christian lives.
These list items bring more than just cleanliness of home, but a clean spirit, they provide more than food for the table, but nourishment of the soul. There is not merely a sense of impermanent accomplishment with the ticking off of these "to dos", but rather a peace and wellness of heart, mind and body when we remember "to do" these things.
So . . . top of my "to do" list today?
Be joyful.
Be patient.

Be faithful.