Dusk by Langston Hughes

Wandering in the dusk,
Sometimes
You get lost in the dusk--
And sometimes not.

Beating your fists
Against the wall,
You break your bones
Against the wall --
But sometimes not.

Walls have been known
To fall,
Dusk turn to dawn,
And chains are gone!

Langston Hughes

A Schedule?

Its amazing how much more you can get accomplished when you set a schedule. If you limit the time you spend on a project to 2-3 hours at a time, you will accomplish more especially if you take a 15-30 minute break and/or change projects.

I have found that this helps me get me through the day and with less stress. Understand, I didn't say no stress, but less stress. By making a schedule I find that I waste less time, especially if I schedule breaks as well.

Before you set your schedule, you need to prioritize you tasks with your family and their schedule in mind as well. You may also schedule some quiet/private/alone time if needed.

1. Decided what type of schedule you will keep paper, computer or internet based. I keep mine on the internet and I have it sync to my phone. This allows me to update my schedule no matter where I am.
2. Make a list of tasks and decide whether they will recur daily (i.e. daily walk, meditation, bible study, etc.)
3. Prioritize your tasks
4. Place these tasks on your schedule
5. Stick to your schedule, but understand you need to be flexible
6. Check off task as they are completed, this will give you a feeling of accomplishment.

There are multiple web sites which give you ideas on how to schedule your time. Compare it to the list above. This list has worked for me. Being flexible is important especially if you have a family and/or school-aged children.  Scheduling quiet/personal/alone time is important as well.  This will help you recharge your battery or give you a boost in the middle of the day.

Introspection

Over the past several months, life has not been going even close to what I had planned.  I have noticed that I get upset rather easily lately.  I read two passages in a book I have had on my self for over a year and it really hit home. One on patience and another on anger, they give the "symptoms" and the "treatment."

Lord, being patient isn’t easy. I have my agenda for when things should happen – and I’m frustrated when they don’t. Patience will come to me, though, when I’m truly surrendered to You – so here I am, God. Do what You want in my life. 

Dear God, Sometimes I get angry so easily. Things go wrong, people don’t act the way I want them to, someone’s words rub me the wrong way.  Help me, Father, to control my anger, to keep it from spilling out, hurting those around me. Remind me that usually, when it comes right down to it, I’m angry simply because I can’t have my own way. Give me the strength to accept whatever You send into my life. Amen.

I have taken these passages to heart and have been more at peace over the past week. A little introspection and self-examination is necessary every once in awhile.