Lists

I had a seemingly random thought the other day about lists. The “seemingly” part is that I often see or read things that trigger thoughts that eventually come together here. But how random are the things I see or read these days? LOL Some of these things are on social media; which is powered by an algorithm…

One of the posts I came across was this idea of a reverse bucket list. We all know what a bucket list is, right? The reverse of that is to list all of the things we’ve actually already done instead of all the things we hope to do someday. It is sort of like a gratitude list, I suppose. But more precisely, it’s a bucket full of my life’s adventures. I can say that I have a lot more in the reverse bucket list than what I’ve ever tried to put in the typical bucket list. I think I’d like to work on making such a list soon. Perhaps I’ll put that on my bucket list…LOL j/k

Another list that popped up on my social media feed recently was about life as a Christian. I don’t know if we all do this, but sometimes I get to thinking about all of the things I’ve done “for the Lord.” Not necessarily the kind of list one puts on a resume as if it were a set of accomplishments. Just a general sense of the good I’ve done in my life. But the post I saw challenges me to toss out that list and instead keep a running list of all the things God has done for me. In a way, I’ve already started this transition between those lists. These past few years in Bible devotionals and study has been opening my heart to being able to truly witness and experience God’s goodness. Although the studies have reminded me of what I’ve done in the church most of my life, the spotlight has shifted to how God has been teaching me and how He is using me through those experiences. I’ve not been one to say, “hey look at all of the things I’ve done for the Lord!” Yet, my sinful nature would still keep that list in my heart sometimes as if it were all things I had done on my own. I tossed that out a few years ago, though. And that post reminded me that my focus should have always been on the list of things God has been doing in and through me all this time.

Another list I have on my mind wasn’t prompted by a social media post. Instead, it was most likely inspired by the above two lists. I think I’d like to start a list of things I want to remove from my life. All of the things I feel just aren’t meant for me or are getting in the way of living the life God is showing me. When I’ve fasted before, I would typically choose something that was getting in the way of my relationship with God in some way. I remember that candy was a huge problem for me. The year I chose that as a 21 day fast was the last time I was addicted to the stuff. That’s a reminder that there are still so many other things in my life that I could remove and be the better for it. That seems like a list worth writing down as well. And then work through the list to improve the life experiences I have.

In some small way, I’ve started keeping these lists in my heart lately, already. I just think it might be a good thing to actually write down. One of the things keeping me from actually doing this is that I don’t want it to become just a habit. I want it to be a passion. I don’t want the lists to just be a checklist that I mark off. I’d rather it all be an anchor of sorts as I continue to navigate my life. A list of experiences I’ve had in my life, what God has done in my life, and what I should probably remove from my life. This all seems like a good thing to write down.