I’m enjoying our pastor’s latest teaching on vision and setting priorities. Don’t laugh. I happen to be a person who enjoys working, and I feel best when I’m ticking things off my to-do list. It all begins with priorities. He used the example of getting the top button right when buttoning a shirt. Everything is out of kilter if the top button is in the wrong hole. Once the priorities are properly in place, I’m good to go.  There are lots of times when I need to step back from lists and tasks and evaluate. Am I really accomplishing the important things in life? What are my priorities?

When I was a busy mom and schoolteacher I didn’t have the luxury of sitting still long enough to contemplate my priorities, they were sitting at the dinner table waiting to be fed. But now that I’m retired I’m truly grateful for time to make choices. So who are the audiences I want to please in this life? God comes first and then family. That said, I’ve been given two great big tasks in my retirement years and I love them both. They’re really big. India and Writing.

Our pastor spoke of the yoke God gives us. It’s easy. But what does that mean? Well, it means it’s tailor made for me. I’m not Mother Teresa and I don’t have to be. I’m not (insert famous author) and I don’t have to be. It’s freeing, it’s perfect. The yoke I put on in all of our India projects fits me perfectly. And I’ll write the devotionals, articles and books I’ve been inspired to write. No striving, no guilt, no expectations that I’ll do anything other than exactly what I’m gifted to do. The yoke is tailor-made for me.

It all starts with priorities. How is that yoke feeling on your shoulders? Better check that top button.