31 Days to #ASimplerJoy: Do the Next Thing

This week I am looking at how working toward Godly goals can bring #ASimplerJoy

Yesterday, I shared about how tiny habits can help you make real change.  Please join me Oct 27-31.  I am working to build healthy habits and a morning routine that is in harmony with my family’s schedule.

Another big helper for me when I need to bring order into my life is to simply do the next thing.  This is especially helpful when order and routine seem to have flown the coup.

A poem once quoted by Elisabeth Elliot has inspired a lot of people, here is the text of the poem:

Do The Next Thing

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From an old English parsonage,
Down by the sea,
There came in the twilight,
A message to me;
Its quaint Saxon legend,
Deeply engraven,
Hath, as it seems to me,
Teaching from Heaven.
And on through the hours
The quiet words ring
Like a low inspiration-
DO THE NEXT THING

Many a questioning, many a fear,
Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment,
Let down from Heaven,
Time, opportunity,
Guidance, are given.
Fear not tomorrows,
Child of the King,
Trust them with Jesus,
DO THE NEXT THING

Do it immediately;
Do it with prayer;
Do it reliantly, casting all care;
Do it with reverence,
Tracing His Hand,
Who placed it before thee with
Earnest command.
Stayed on Omnipotence,
Safe ‘neath His wing,
Leave all resultings,
DO THE NEXT THING

Looking to Jesus, ever serener,
(Working or suffering)
Be thy demeanor,
In His dear presence,
The rest of His calm,
The light of His countenance
Be thy psalm,
Strong in His faithfulness,
Praise and sing,
Then, as He beckons thee,
DO THE NEXT THING

-Author unknown

When I find myself emotionally overwhelmed or starting the day with a daunting set of tasks, I find that if I just start something, that helps.  Doing the next thing means making progress.  Doing the next thing means listening for God’s direction.  Doing the next thing isn’t complicated; it is surely #ASimplerJoy!