About That List

Cathy D.Dudley

If I write it down on paper, life’s loose ends become more orderly. I’m a
seventy year old wife, mother, and grammy. For as long as I can remember,
I’ve been making elaborate and colorful lists to help me and my family stay
organized. A red heart by an item means top priority. A yellow star is less
important but still needs done today. When something is underlined in blue, it
can wait until tomorrow. How else could we remember our appointments and
accomplish our many activities? Maybe you can relate.

I often described our young family as a three-ring circus. Although Amy,
Sara, and Matthew were born within thirty-seven months, they rarely did the
same thing at the same time. My husband and I were co-ringmasters,
introducing our dynamic children to the world and keeping the show running
smoothly. Yes, we were always busy … and yes, there were always
simultaneous performances. Our daily to-do list could include anything from
4-H horse grooming and coaxed piano practicing to lively ball games and a
pinewood derby, not to mention three completely different sets of homework.
It was an exciting, often chaotic time. But the common denominator was
always love.

The items on my daily list have changed over the years. Now in retirement,
I fill my days with volunteering and other pleasant activities. A typical list
might involve purchasing construction paper and glitter to teach an art class,
biking on my favorite country road, meeting Mother for Bible study followed by
putting just one more piece in her jigsaw puzzle, hiking with my husband,
working on my newest book, or cutting out puppets for Children’s Chapel. It’s
strange, but I still feel like there’s never enough time in a day.

Recently, it seems everyone’s personal list has become shorter. One by
one meetings and fun activities are being crossed off. These cancellations
are an attempt to limit the spread of a dangerous coronavirus. People are
getting sick. I agree social distancing is a good thing, but more and more my
spirits are sinking as less connection is becoming the new normal. I’m not
only missing whatever thing was cancelled but also the delightful
relationships that are such an important part of the activity. To be honest, I’m
mad at this COVID-19 and resent its power to have this huge impact on our
health and lives.

But then I had a beautiful epiphany. The coronavirus has no power over
God! It can’t cancel our meeting with God, our connection with God, our
relationship with God. That’s right. COVID-19 has absolutely no effect on me
being with my God. God is all powerful and can’t be crossed off a list. As a
matter of fact, there’s no need to even put morning devotions, Bible reading,
and prayer throughout the day on a to-do list. Activities with God come about
as naturally as holding your child’s hand when crossing the street. No
scheduling required.

So although our cancelled activities have worth and merit, it turns out
what’s NOT on your list is of the highest value. And this is God! The Bible
assures us “God is our shelter and strength, always ready to help in times of
trouble (Psalm 46:1, GNB). Yes, our mighty God is available 24-7 and will
see us through this coronavirus thing.

Let’s be sure our children and grandchildren know our God is all powerful
and can be trusted to take care of us all the days of our lives. “I will proclaim
your greatness, my God and King; I will thank you forever and ever. What
you have done will be praised from one generation to the next; they will
proclaim your mighty acts” (Psalm 145:1, 4, GNB).
THANKS be to God!
PRACTICES
Encourage your child’s connection with God.
“Teach children how they should live, and they will remember it all their life.”
(Proverbs 22:6, GNB).
Work God moments into your child’s routine.
1. Model praying at meals, and take turns leading the prayer.
2. In dinnertime conversation, talk about how you’ve seen God at work in
the world. Examples might be a new flower blooming or someone
helping another.
3. When you’re playing games, include ideas found in Christian activity
books.
4. Rotate reading favorite bedtime stories with Bible stories.
5. After a nighttime prayer, turn out the lights and sing “Jesus Love Me” or
“Angels Watching Over Me.”
BIO
Cathy D. Dudley, member of St. Philip Lutheran Church in Roanoke, VA., is
an author of Christian books for children and their families. She has written
Toddler Theology ~ Childlike Faith for Everyone and Faith, Family, & Fun ~
Monthly Lessons to Color and Connect with God’s Love.
Cathy thanks God for giving her the words to write and invites you to visit
cathyddudley.com.