One of the statements in The Living in Priority Sequence program is this: “I will enjoy the symmetry of completing the tasks I undertake today.”
One definition in the Canadian Oxford Dictionary, Second Edition, defines symmetry as “the correct proportion of the parts of a thing; balance, harmony; beauty resulting from this.”
You might be wondering how this relates to our to do lists. I would like to share how, this past while, I have had the opportunity to utilize the meaning of this word.
I undertook to sort out 3 years of data for a organization that needed me to do it as a volunteer. As volunteer projects sometimes go, it has taken longer than I expected; at times has been tediously repetitive; and because of its deadline, has impacted the time I have left to do my own work.
Sound familiar? We think we can finish something quickly, but we seem to keep running into delays.
Here’s where symmetry makes the difference.
First, we find harmony within ourselves, that feeling of being at peace with the task we have undertaken. Colossians 3:23, 24 says it this way: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of your inheritance; for you serve the Lord Jesus."
Second, because we know who we are serving, we make the decision to approach and continue the task in balance, meaning that we have a good attitude towards the task, and we have made an unswerving commitment to doing what we must do to complete it within the time allotted.
Third, we look for each piece of beauty that results as we complete the task step by step, hour by hour, day by day.
Everything God created exhibits symmetry … the petals of a flower, the rings of a tree, the passing of the seasons, the shape of a snowflake. All the things we love about this world exhibit symmetry.
In the moments when I am tempted to falter, I remind myself that I am committed to enjoying the symmetry of completing the tasks I undertake.
Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
Promises, promises, and God keeps them all!