Just Do The Next Thing

My motto for our homeschool has become: Just Do The Next Thing. I have had to adopt this motto years ago in order to keep sane in a world full of medical ups & downs – I don’t do lesson plans in the traditional sense, instead, we simply do the next thing in our lessons.

So, I shouldn’t be surprised that embracing that motto for my entire life is only right. I am a slow learner even when the lesson is right in front of me, so it has been a long time coming that I finally realize that I need to just do the next thing not only in our homeschool lessons, daily routine, and household chores but also in life. 

Just Do The Next Thing In Life

I am reading Keep A Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot and one thing that has really reached deep into my soul (so far) is where she states that all we must do is accept our current assignment in life (paraphrase).

This really reinforces the scripture:

“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:34

Why worry and stress over what might happen or what will come? Accept today.

There is enough to focus on today, here and now. Tomorrow will come with its own set of assignments.

I think it is something worth remembering. Whether in regards to our living situation, financial situation, business, etc. etc. or whatever else YOU might be dealing with today.

When you are overwhelmed by the to-do list today, the decisions this week, the tasks you are responsible for, the life you have been assigned … stop, breathe. JUST DO THE NEXT THING.

Encouraging Resources For Christians

Keep a Quiet HeartSurprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early LifeShe Is Clothed with Strength Proverbs 31:25 Small Fence Post Wood Look Wall Art PlaqueCount Your Blessings (6×9 Journal): Lined Writing Notebook, 120 Pages – Fun and Inspirational Gratitude Quote on Coral Pink Background with Pretty Teal and Pink Flower DecorationsBy Clare De Graaf – 10 Second Rule: Just Do the Next Thing You’re Reasonably Certain Jesus Wants You to Do (Reprint) (1.7.2013)Morning and Evening: Classic KJV Edition

This lesson applies to all of us, in all sorts of life circumstances. Being content – or accepting our current assignment – in life is one part of living in peace (internal to external).

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound … ” Philippians 4:11-12

I don’t know about you, but I find such comfort in Apostle Paul’s words, indeed they are Gods promises. To know that Paul could live through all of the hardships he did and still say:

“Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:8-14

As my husband & I discuss and worry and wonder what to do next in life (stay in this rental, move out of state, buy a home in our county, etc. etc.?), we need to stop, breathe, and just do the next (literal) thing in life.

That means, focus on what we have been assigned today — caring for our children, home, and each other and what those responsibilities bring us each moment– and simply stay put til God opens a door.

Then we will step through the door with faith & a prayer. Just doing the next thing God assigns to us.

So, homeschool mom, homemaker, housewife, work-at-home-mom, woman of God: take one moment at a time, live for Jesus, and just do the next thing … on your list, in your day, and throughout your life! That’s really all that God asks of us.

You Might Also Like:

Learn To Be Content