I am a list maker.  Ted is not.  He says it makes him crazy having to write things down and then remaining accountable to what the list says he should be doing.  Me?  I find peace in my list-making.  Once a week I look at the future, about ten days out, and write down things that need to be done and spread the tasks out among the days.  Each evening I look at the next day and compile a list of what I need to do tomorrow.   I can go to sleep in peace and not be an insomniac due to the restless worrying of remembering all that I have to do tomorrow.  It’s written down.

I am making lists about what needs to be done to move Amanda out.  I have a sheet of paper with the days numbered down the left side and I am scribbling down things that need to be done (paint bedroom wall Clematis purple, call to get her internet service, get stuff at Ikea) on different days and in a timely manner.  On the right side I have a column listing the things we still need to get or buy (a lamp or 2, kitchen towels, some basic groceries).

Post-it Notes are like tranquilizers to a list maker.  “Oh, oh, oh, I have to remember to ______!” will pulse through our brains and we find that we have to quickly write it down on a handy Post-It note so that our heart rates can resume to normal and calm can resume.  An added benefit of the Post-it Note, is you can stick ’em anywhere:  the fridge door (remember that diet you’re on – stay out!), the kitchen cabinet door (buy pasta on the way home for spaghetti dinner tonight), on the doorway to the garage (garbage day – take the trash out!), or on the suitcase being packed (don’t forget the tickets, gold heels, and nail polish).

In my reading this morning, I was impressed with what I see as the first Post-it Notes.

Mezuzah.

Lesson time here.  (and if you already know about this – kudos to you!)

The ancient Jews took literally the bible instructions of Deuteronomy 6:5-9:  ⁵ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. ⁶ These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. ⁷ Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. ⁸ Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. ⁹ Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates.

The Mezuzah is a small case affixed on the doorposts of traditional Jewish homes to the exterior doors as well as every room (except closets and bathrooms) of the house.  It contains a parchment inscribed with Deuteronomy 6:4-9 as well as Deuteronomy 11:13-21.  It is put there simply as a reminder of God’s presence and instruction.

Wow!

That’s a note we all could benefit from!  How different would we all be if upon entering our home as well as each and every room as we dwell among our family, that we had a post-it reminder from God?

Don’t forget to:  Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind, and with all your strength.

Don’t forget to call Nicole.

Don’t forget rehearsal tomorrow at 7:45pm.

Now what’s for dinner tonight?

And where did I put my list???

just Laurel

ps – Thank you to Clara, Margaret, and Ted who are busy proofreading my book!