Where's my desk?

I really hate sticky notes. I know hate is a strong word, but it ranks right up there with my monthly trip to Walmart. And anyone who knows me, knows that is not a fun time for me. Don’t get me wrong, I use them, I just don’t like them. I never know where to put them and I hate the way they clutter up my desk and the “sticky” never last long enough. (Which should also be clue.) I’ve tried using the electronic sticky notes on my computer, but then they clutter up my monitor and I don’t like that either. I guess clutter stresses me out.

I was having one of “those” days today. You know, the ones where everything piles up and it feels like everybody wants things done RIGHT NOW and your brain is still processing things from yesterday or maybe even the day before. So I decided to sit down and clean off my desk. Maybe cleaning off the clutter on my desk would help clean up the clutter in my head. I just sat there, staring at the mess of papers and sticky notes and sticky notes, when I heard a voice from my past. “Keep it simple, stupid.”

Many years ago I lived in a little town in the woods of northern Minnesota. I was a young, stay-at-home mom and I helped the church we attended by organizing and typing the weekly church bulletin. As the church grew, my responsibilities grew. I taught Sunday school, sang on the worship team, and then eventually became part of the youth group ministry.

Being part of a growing congregation comes with growing pains, but we had a young pastor who somehow always found a silver lining in every situation. I loved my church family and the youth group kids, but I was struggling with my past and my present. I WANTED to be more, I WANTED to be better, but my secrets still haunted me. That was a secret kept between God and I.

On those days when my head was swirling with chaos and I hadn’t slept because I’d been up all night with more questions than answers, the pastor always knew exactly what to say - KISS - Keep It Simple, Stupid. It was a joke, he said he had to remind "himself" of regularly. We would laugh, but then we would go through the list of questions: Is it a “you” decision or a God decision? Who’s heart are you trying to change, yours or somebody else’s? Can we pray about it as a group or do you need to keep it between you and the Lord?

In my time of need, God reminded me of Pastor's words. Right now, my walk with Jesus looks a lot like the sticky notes on my desk. (Good heavens, someone find the waste basket!) I get so caught up with all of the extra stuff, that I forget how simple it really is. I worry about things that I have no control over. Instead of worrying about it or gossiping about it, I should be on my knees talking to God. I waste a lot of time prioritizing how I should be a Christian instead of acting like one.

It's also a reality check to start spending more time on the one heart I can change... mine. Only God can change the hearts and minds of others. If I'm walking the path with Him, I can only hope that others will see the light and follow.

So, Pastor Mark, thanks for the reminder! ...it was nice to hear voice - and your laugh.

Luke 6:41

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?