Listless about Lists

On this last day of January, I am reviewing my goals for the month. What has been completed? What still needs to be done? What ought to be reevaluated? What needs to be crossed out? Not because it's done, but because I know it's not going to happen. At least, not yet.

And then there are the lists handed to me that are not my own.

Last week, my husband dropped his list on the pile atop my desk. (By the way, "the pile" represents my daily routine.) I found myself working into my already-planned schedule going to the store to get food and supplies. Mostly, I was in the right frame of mind. I knew my husband didn't have time to go to the store. Going on this errand would help me keep my middle son active throughout the day, and he wanted to go out for lunch anyway. I had a few errands of my own, too.

But, here's the thing--it wasn't my list. Ever feel like you're being asked to do something that isn't your responsibility?

So, why do it?

I did ask myself this question as my son and I pushed two shopping carts to my car, knowing about five of the things in the carts were for my personal benefit. It was the last part that caught my attention.

Are my lists only for my personal benefit?

In theory, no. In reality, my husband's list is also my list. Because doing things for my husband when I know he doesn't have the time is one of my priorities. In fact, one of my goals this year is "I desire to support my family's future endeavors."

Last week, that included helping my husband prepare for his ice fishing adventure. Because my youngest son and my dad joined him, it meant helping them enjoy the trip. My middle son became part of the process by coming with me. He and I discussed what we would do together that weekend, and I anticipated time to focus on him. I also knew something awaited me--time to myself.

What does time to myself include? My list.

In the end, there was personal benefit in those listless moments before checking off my husband's list. Although my yearly goals are far from complete, I can know I am accomplishing one a little bit every day.