5 Resolutions That Could Actually Change Your Life ... #4: Flip the Script
“For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.” 1 Timothy 4:4
Do you ever dread all the things you have to do in a day? I used to. I’d hear myself thinking—and sometimes even saying out loud—I have to make my kids lunch. I have to get my kids dressed. I have to drop my kids off. Then I have to go to work. And wait, I have to put dinner in the crockpot first. I have to make sure my husband’s uniform is clean for work later tonight. And on and on.
Some days I’ve felt like screaming: I HAVE SO MUCH TO DO!
And then my daughter got a diagnosis that numbered the days that I had to do anything for her. Her diagnosis has required multiple hospital stays in a hospital across the country from my home, separated from my husband and our other daughter.
Suddenly all those things I HAD to do in my regular life started feeling like “get tos” instead. I get to bathe a 5-year-old and 3-year-old together at home for another night. I get to make two school lunches this morning…instead of the someday prognosis of only one. I get to prepare dinner and enjoy it around our kitchen table with each of our family of four complaining about how they don’t like it. I get to enjoy meetings at work…and have insurance that provides financial help for my daughter’s medical care. I get to pick up a messy house full of legos, baby dolls, and bicycles that were supposed to stay outside because I’m at home with my kids who have “messed it all up.”
Let’s resolve to set our hearts and minds on getting to this year. The daily tasks that feel like a busy burden in your week are also the true evidence of the good gifts that God is still giving to you. Why don’t you flip your script with me this year.
Try something like:
I have to wash 8 loads of laundry tomorrow. = I get to wash 8 loads of laundry tomorrow because I have a family to clothe; we have clothes to wear.
I have to take my kids to soccer practice and then rush the other to ballet. =I get to have car time with my family as we head to activities that mean my children are healthy, active, and with me.
Comment below with what your “have to” script sounds like flipped to “get to.”