I want to give a shout out to those of you joining us today by way of the Encouragement for Today devotion I have up over at Crosswalk.com and on our site at Proverbs 31.org. If you haven’t read it yet and watch to catch up with the rest of us, click here to do so. Don’t forget to come back and enter the giveaway!
Speaking of giveaway….let me tell you about it first. It is an organizational ‘basket-in-a-box’ centered around my book The Complete Guide to Getting and Staying Organized. In addition to the book, it includes:
* A 13 pocket, expandable accordion file
*Some funky, swirly, colorful, large paper clips
*A magnetic ‘to-do’ list pad
*A set of fun file folders to organize your papers
* A way cool plastic “tall grass” holder for your desk top designed to hold pens, pencils, scissors, etc
*And two packets of premium flavored hot cocoa–one chocolate hazelnut and one cinnamon chocolate– to sip and savor while you read and organize 
Just click on the form below to leave a comment on this post and you’ll be entered in the drawing. The winner will be announced Monday. Now……
To multi-task or not to multi-task?
That is the question.
The answer?
Yes.
And no.
We women are experts at multi-tasking. We can be talking on the phone, French braiding hair, cooking supper, helping a child with homework and nursing a baby….all at once.
Men?
They can change a light bulb.
But don’t you dare ask them a question while they are in the middle of changing that light bulb because they’ll have to stop their twisting motion in order to answer you! 
(Okay….maybe I exaggerate just a little…)
A woman’s ability to multi-task can be both a blessing and a curse.
It can be beneficial during on those days we need to get more done in less time. And it can be detrimental when it detracts from something important that requires our focused attention.
For example….being on hold with the insurance company while sorting laundry?
Good.
Trying to paint your nails while a crying teen pours her heart out to you about a friend who hurt her?
Not so good.
Cleaning the bathroom while you supervise your toddler as he plays and splashes in the tub?
Good.
Typing away on the computer and checking email while your friend on the other end of the phone tells you her husband is divorcing her?
Not so good.
Yep, multi-tasking can be great! (And let’s see if any of you can beat one of my friend’s best records. One day I called her and discovered she was talking on the phone to me, bleaching her teeth, giving her son a spelling test and bouncing on the mini-tramp for exercise all at once!)
But multi-tasking is not wise when there are actual living, breathing people who need our attention. People with needs. And feelings.
At those times, perhaps we should fight that innate urge to multi-task.
And, on a grander scale, we must fight the urge to multi-task by taking on too many responsibilities outside of our four walls; by saying ‘yes’ to numerous commitments we really don’t feel called to but are afraid to say no to; by wearing too many hats at church, school or in the community in an attempt to be the 2010 version of Super Woman.
Nearly did me in a few years ago.
Then I heard a few statements that helped me to sort through my over-committed schedule and scrape off my too-full plate. They are:
- Beware of the barrenness of a busy life.
- Don’t take on more than you can pray for.
- If Satan can’t make you bad, he’ll make you busy.
The first comment I read in a book over 20 years ago, although I don’t remember which book! I actually have that phrase printed above the signature line of our checks as a constant reminder. The busy life isn’t full and rewarding. It is barren. Empty.
The second comment was spoken by my friend Becky Glenn at a Hearts at Home conference many years ago. So wise! If you can’t commit to praying for the all of the responsibilities, situations and people that will go with the new task at hand, then say no.
And the third I’ve heard many places and it really is a clever trick of the enemy. Bad? We good Bible study gals know more than to be bad? But busy? Yep! We fall for that one every time. The truth is, both bad and busy render us ineffective for service to Christ.
Well, cyber sister, how about you? Where do you rank on the multi-tasking scale?
Are you tempered and balanced, with enough white space on your calendar and in your day to keep you sane and connected with God and with those you love?
Or are you on activity overload, constantly playing catch-up as you run George Jetson-style on the busyness treadmill of life?
Or are you somewhere smack dab in between?
Does one of the three statements above jump out at you? Why?
Hop on and join the discussion today. By doing so, you will be entered in the drawing for the giveaway. However, if you are too busy to write out a comment, then simply say “I’m in!”. You’ll still be entered.
If that is all the time you have today…no problem! You are either too busy and you need to do some plate scraping yourself (don’t worry…I too am fixin’ to do a little plate scraping real soon)….or someone needs your attention right now, so you are being careful not to multi-task when you shouldn’t. Bravo!
Comments?
Plate-scraping Blessings,
I think I might be in the middle. Some weeks are hectic and some not so much but “scraping my plate” is a good plan! Count me in! Thanks.
Hello Karen
I was just thinking a couple of days ago about how I tend to try to do so many activities at one time. My biggest problem with this is that I have fibromyalgia which really slows down my speed. I keep my two grandboys, who are 4 and 6 and are both in school. I started to think about them and how it would be more rewarding to them and myself if I slow down and take my time with activities. I need to wake-up to the fact that everything will not be perfect and I constantly am wearing my myself out trying to make things so. Organization is then answer and clutter causes confusion. I have been on a cleaning spree; throwing away all unecessary items. I just might become organized. I would like to find a good church home to attem for me as well as my grandboys; so that is next on my list.
Sincerely,
Jan B
Hello, we just did an evening for women about getting organized in preparation for what God has in store for 2010 ( I do women’s ministry at church). Your devotion and blog today have me thinking about a women’s event around these themes, we could give out paper plates and draw whats on your plate…what does God want you to add or take off and give cute spatula’s to the woman…oh ya this could be a good one. Would love to win the goodies too of course.
Nancy
Count me in! Thanks for your encouragement! I needed to hear that! Anita
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? 42How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. (Luke 6:41-42 NIV)
Isn’t it amazing how God gently reminds us. I also shake my head in wonder at people who multi-task when driving, yet think nothing of saying yes to one more thing in my own life that I really don’t have time to fully commit to. Thank you for the gentle reminder.
Thank you Karen! Wow! I think if we’re honest, we all need to do some plate scraping from time to time! I’m going to use this exercise with my ladies small group. Your devotional is a blessing!
wow, that really hit home as I sit here with terrible tension in my neck and shoulders from a week of “I don’t know how I will get it all done.”
Yes, it’s all about balance and moderation. I work outside the home part-time b/c as a wife and mom of two, much time is needed at home to take care of my family and all the domestic duties. In fact, my days at home are more action-and task-packed than my days at the office, because there seem to be no boundaries to the amount of work at home…
My multi-tasking nature is mostly good, but becomes a weakness (which often times is a strength pushed too far) when my relationships suffer as I obsess about achieving my tasks. So, I can definitely relate to this devotion…I am constantly striving for a good balance, with God’s grace and His peace to cultivate a grateful and calm servant attitude within me.
Oh My! This blog so fits my life right now!! I use to work full-time and I had everything under control. Now I’m a Stay-at-home mom and feel like I am always running around like crazy! And if I do have time to sit still for a minute – I almost feel guilty about it like I should be doing something – I.E. right now in front of the computer! I would love to work on scraping my plate, but of course, don’t know where to begin! What a great supply of items you are giving away here. I’m sure it can help everyone!!!
Count me in! I just found you through Proverbs 31 Ministiries. I am ashamed to admit that I don’t make time with God everyday as my days start before I wake up! My kids are very early risers and I have always been the type that flies by the seat of my pants. I need organizational help desperately!
Thanks for your message.
Thank you for this insightful blog entry. I am trying to deal with health problems due to stress caused by busyness. It’s reassuring to hear that I am not the only one who makes herself sick with stress and that it is okay to let go of busyness without feeling guilty.
I know I am guilty of saying yes to new commitments to feel like everyone will still like me. But what really hit me was your comment “If Satan can’t make you bad, he’ll make you busy”. That is so true. We all need to slow down and make more time for time with God in prayer and quiet reflection. Thanks so much for the inspiration!
God’s Peace, Charlotte Foley
God is giving me a wake up call. I’m always available to all my friends in their need of crisis, but when my Mother who was battling cancer was hosptialized not many people came to my aid. Unfortunately, she passed away two days before Christmas and on my way to finalize her funeral arrangements I was involved in an automobile accident, where my car was totaled. God was watching over me that day b/c I walked away without a scratch. It’s only been a month since her passing and I miss her so much, but I am trying to slow down. Some of my friends are now annoyed with me b/c I’m not available to listen to their DRAMA. Oh well. Sometimes it takes a Life situation to make you sit back and evaluate what is important in your life. GOD has been there for me during the good times and the bad. Where are some of these so call friends…..
This email definitely hit home! Count me in.
I have struggled with experiencing the joy of ‘living’ life. This is one area that I find hard to be consistent. When there’s too much to do and I feel like shutting down and shutting everyone out I stop and ask God to forgive me for trying to lead (AGAIN). I have to remind myselft that it’s by His grace and mercy that He provides me with the organization skills, my talents, energy and wisdom to get it all done (or not).
Been there, done that. My wise husband years ago advised me to tell anyone when asked to do one more thing that I needed to talk with him. He could say no easier and didn’t mind being the bad guy. As I age, I’m learning no is sometimes the best answer. As an empty nester, I have more time now but have come to begin to see the wisdom in praying to seek His will for where my time is used best, realizing that my first priority is still my home and husband. We seem to feel guilty when we’re not on overload! Thanks for the three statements you shared – had not heard the second one before, but they are all wise!
I’m in!
I always love the idea of finally getting more organized – but it seems like such a fleeting thought. I can very easily see how Satan uses the busyness of life to feed a disconnect with the priorities that we know create in us the fruit-bearing activities that God desires in His heiresses. Thanks for the opportunity to really ponder this area again…
What a good word for today, Karen! Yes, please count me in! I would say I’m somewhere in the middle; I definitely get very overwhelmed when I have too much to do, or have too many people to connect with, yet I love people! I’m just not very good at multitasking. So, you might say I have a built-in barometer to keep me from getting overloaded. I just can’t take on too much. Besides, I have a special-needs daughter who needs my attention when she’s not at school. I love your devotion – a great reminder to keep seeking Him and His kingdom first, esp. when weighing what to take on or not.
Love, Andrea
Great posts, Karen. And I don’t think you stretched the man and the light bulb thing at all!;-)
I struggle alot with too many things at one time. My husband is always asking me to sit and talk with him and I’m like, “Well can’t I fold laundry at the same tim?” He doesn’t like that idea.
Thanks for always sharing just what we need to hear!
I’m in!
wow! Have already made up my mind to “rest” from most volunteer activities during the next school year. It is such a blessing to see what God can do with our time when WE are not too busy filling it up! Can’t wait! And really hope I win the giveaway …
Each day this week God has been speaking to me along these lines. Monday night He closed my night with this verse:
“It’s useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat (or in an effort to get everything done); for God gives REST to His loved ones.” Psalm 127:2
It really spoke to me because that’s what I have been doing lately. Staying up really late and getting up super early the next morning… running on empty and feeling like I was drowning.
Thank you for hearing His voice and communicating His thoughts to us.
Thanks for your encouragement Karen! It’s important to remember that just because it’s a “good” thing doesn’t mean we should do it at the cost of over committing.
Count me in! The devotional & blog posting are what I needed to hear. I fall in the middle when it comes to the busyness of life. I’m a fairly new stay-at-home mom, and I want to make sure that I’m serving Christ in all that I do, not find myself too exhausted to serve Him.
Excellent thoughts. I love the comment about not taking on more than you can pray for. That puts things in a very interesting perspective. I will definitely share this with my women’s study group which consists of us “older” women mentoring younger women. Thanks!
excellent giveaway, I love it! I am, after a long battle, finally balanced in my busyness….and have to constantly turn down new opportunities!
Karen, what perfect timing for your message. I am currently unemployeed and will start volunteering at our library on Monday. I have been looking at other ways to volunteer, but needed to remember I need to find a job and can’t spend all my time volunteering as well. Thanks for this insight!
Wow! Great timing. I have some responsibilities/commitments/jobs…… whatever you want to call them, in my life I’ve been considering giving up lately. I just can’t seem to give them the time they deserve which makes it in turn, difficult to give my family the time they deserve. Today’s Devotion on the Proverbs31 website and your blog were absolutely wonderful and just what I needed to give me the strength to “just say no”. Thank you so much! Oh, and “I’m in” for the drawing!
I was so organized and with each child (now 4) I have lost that ability. So many things come into the house and I can’t keep up with getting them put away or back out of the house. The sports stuff throws me over the edge. The clothes they outgrow. The toys that collect in corners and such. What on earth do I do with all this stuff?
And then my biggest supporter, my husband, overloads his schedule and I’m caught up doing his work in the home. I prefer my hubby to change those light bulbs for me. I find I am frustrated more often than not because he takes on activities (some with one of our 4 kids) and I’m left dealing with all that stuff he’s not doing. I can make a list of organizational challenges I’m facing that would be solved if hubby would give me 2-4 hours a week at least to help. He sees the clutter as stuff we need to get rid of. I see it as stuff that no longer has a home. I went away for a week and came home to find he had taken apart the entertainment center and with that gotten rid of the storage we were using in the empty compartments. HELP!:?
Thanks for the encouragement today, Karen! I, too, find myself taking on more than I should as a church planter’s wife and mom of three, while also trying to find some kind of balance (and sanity!) working from home as a freelance book editor. I love your three boldfaced statements and will write those down in my planner! Such a good reminder. Thank you!
Funny, my boss at my previous job said I couldn’t multi -task. And I said can’t all women multi-task?
Oh well staying at home with my kids now!
I hope I am balanced…
My health has been rough over the last 8 months so I haven’t committed to too much.
And count me in for the organizational ‘basket-in-a-box’
I love it!
Thanks for the daily devotional today. Several years ago God started to show me that I REALLY needed to slow down. I wasn’t ready :<((( But God never gave up on me. Praise His name!!! Today I really think before I commit to something. Thank you for those 3 statements on your blog. God is good to us, He wants to be glorified through us!
Meggie
m_kornelsen@hotmail.com
I’m new to this site but everytime I read a devotion it hits home. This one really touched me since I’ve been awake since 6:00 am trying to see how many things on my to-do-list I could do before getting my 94 year old mother up. The reading today reminded me how I must clean my plate and give God more of me.
Thank you all for baing there for us.
The Lord has been helping me in this area for a while; however, the imagery you gave of a plate with items on it took it to a new level. Often I push off the very things the Lord may want me to keep! Time for me to get quiet and let Him organize my plate. Thanks!!
I had to take a personality test for a leadership position in the Junior League and the personailty test said that “I liked to be busy for busyness sake.” WOW, was that an eye-opening experience or what?
My faults:
1. As my husband says, “I have an aversion to saying, NO!”
2. I like the feeling of busyness of knowing that I am capable of doing “all of this.”
The problem is that being busy for busyness sake is non-fulfilling, stressful and taxing on everyone and everything around you.
I used to think that I was so remarkable because I could do so much and still remotely balance working full time and raising a family. One day I came across Proverbs 19:21–”Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it’s the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
How can I serve God’s Will first, if every minute of every day is planned out?!?
As a result, I stepped down from most of my duties outside of work and home. I switched churches to go to a church that fulfilled my spiritual needs and I have thoroughly enjoyed the white space on my calendar. I feel like I have so much more time for the things that are important to me like my relationship with God, my husband and my daughter.
Thank you for your devotional. Proverbs 31 has taken my realtionship with God to a whole new level.
I too am in, please help. I live in 2 countries. Need major help organizing my life. Thanks!
I try to do too many things, too fast, too many things at the same time. God has been speaking to me to slow down, pay attention and do one thing at a time, and not rush through something to get to the next thing. Some days I feel overwhelmed with all I need to do at work and home. That’s when I need to put everything down, get away with Jesus for a few minutes or an hour and I usually feel a lot better and relaxed about things…He is my peace, when I go to Him.
This is a great message and a great reminder to all of us multi-tasking women.
All 3 points hit home.
Thanks Karen!
Thank you for the encouraging words today! It reminds me that I am not the only one that puts too much on my plate, and then feels like a complete failure when I can’t possible get it all accomplished without everything suffering a little (or a lot, in some cases!).
Count me in!
I recieve the Proverbs31 daily emails and I have to say when I read it today I felt like you were describing me. Especially the line..”Sure I will take on one more responsibility so everyone will like me”. Do all women feel this way? Oh how I long to be comfortable saying “No” to things.
Thank You for the wonderful and eye opening message.
New to your site and I love it. Busyness has been a topic of discussion with our Family Ministry Team. How do we bring families that are already so busy together for fellowship and sharing? We just started a Friday Nite Chat once a month. Women come together to visit for about two hours twice a month and hopefully will schedule time with the people they meet. So many of them are saying how lonely they are; how they have no friends at church; how no one would miss them if they switched churches… This statements are not necessarily true but if someone is feeling that way, we cannot ignore that. I have forwarded your post on to several women on the Team. Thank you for a wonderful and informative site.
I am so grateful that God has led me here. God has laid it on my heart that I am too busy, or at least moving to fast through life. Better organization is only part of what I need! I will be back to read more later, have to pick up my son from preschool….busy busy busy that’s me!
Most of the time I can keep my time focused but those times when I just really want to help out and I volunteer for yet another project… Whew..it doesn’t take long to get overwhelmed. So I try to be conscious of my wanting to help and if I am being effective. I do a periodic “spring cleaning” of sorts. Thanks for the Encouragement for the Day devotional!
I’ve loved taking the time to read this. It’s nice to know that there are others who feel the pressure of TOO MUCH on their plates. I’m working on it all ~ scraping, with tears.
I haven’t joined in to that as I don’t see WHERE to sign in to win it. BUT, I am trying on my own, asking God to show me new ways to be creative enough to hold the interest of our now 12 year old daughter, encouraging her to pray before she rises so we can have a better day.
I too am a home school mom, at the age of 64, raising an adopted daughter who is the age of our grandchildren. It’s a joy and a challenge. I find allot of tiring moments and yet she keeps us young in many ways. I NEED to win that organization basket…
Thanks for all your knowledge, honesty and love. It’s appreciated!
You’re right…as a Pastor’s wife my plate is often overfilled. But it’s hard to say “no” when there are so many needs. I need to slow down and hear God’s voice more often before I say “yes” to another commitment.
This is definitely something I am interested in. God was surely “nudging” me to your website. Thanks. Satan is truly keeping me busy!!!!
I can definately relate. I can do it without thinking. If I don’t take time at the beginning of my day to pray and read God’s word, then there will not be another opprotunity thru the day. I believe the enemy on purpose keeps us busy. Chirst wants us too. Christ has love for me, and Satan does not. I enjoyed this devotion. Thanks
PLEASE help me get organized!! I would love the chance to win this gift!! Between my husband, 3 kids ages 17 and twin girls 9 (one of which has Down Syndrome), working full time from home, teaching middle school Sunday school, and keeping up with the responsibilities at home, I literally have no time to do anything. Your help would be greatly appreciated!!
Hi Karen,
Thank you for your devotions today 1/29. I loved the way you talked about multi-tasking and brought it into the realm of serving our Lord. I think there always comes a time in our busy lives, that we need to stop, pray and start scraping our plates. Thank you again for sharing your love of Jesus.