A few weeks ago, after I posted the final paper for the class I was taking, my friend made the comment that now I could cross that assignment off of my list of things to do.  It was a relief to have that project completed, but I also knew another big project was looming on the horizon!  It seems as I am able to cross off one item, I am then adding another to the list.  My list never seems to become totally blank!

I not only have a "to do" list at work, but I also have a mental list of things that I would like to do one day.  I anticipate going back to Guinea, actually moving all of my things to Kansas City, coordinating a time when my niece and I can actually take the trip to Disneyland we've talked about doing, seeing the Chiefs win the Super Bowl, finishing the ten year quilt that I started eleven years ago, and completing the Director of Christian Outreach certification program.  All of these except one take effort on my part.  The Chiefs winning the Super Bowl is a dream, one I cannot make happen.  I can only cheer for their success and utter those words, "Maybe next year," when a loss doesn't qualify them for the next round of play.

I'm sure we all have made lists of projects we hope to accomplish.  We may even categorize the "to do" list into things that need to be done today, those that can wait until tomorrow or even next week, and maybe even the mental list like mine of things you would like to do someday.  

Only Christ's list of things to do was ever completed in full.  He had a specific mission to let others know that He was the Christ, the promised Messiah.  He shared with His listeners stories in the form of parables and then healed the blind, lame, and even the dead.  He confronted the Pharisees and Sadducees and never backed down.  He traveled from town to town, always keeping the main thing the main thing as He was arrested, beaten, and killed for our sins.     And as He hung on the cross, He announced it was finished.  How blessed we are that as His earthly "to do" list was completed, He is now working on His heavenly "to do" list as He prepares a place for all of us who believe in Him.    

No matter how organized I try to be, there are times that I tend to get so wrapped up in the day to day jobs or the urgent demands that I don't take time for the most important item on the "to do" list, the time for worship and prayer, thanking God for the gift of His Son who washed away my sin.  It's a priority that gets pushed to the side because I allow something else to take precedence.  

My "to do" list to grow in Christ's love and in the knowledge of Him will never be completed in full.  It is an ongoing process, one that isn't complete until I meet my Savior's face and am embraced in His arms when He welcomes me into His kingdom.    

What is the number one priority on your list?  Is it your immediate needs? Or is the time set aside to grow in your Christian faith?  I pray that you yearn to grow in your Christian faith and are never content with the idea that you've learned all you can, and have checked it off of your "to do" list.    

Enjoying the ride,