When there are a thousand tasks filling my head, tempting me to anxiety and worry, I will breathe and focus on my current duty. I will abandon them all to God and ask that His Divine Will be done, rather than mine. When I trust in Him and in His Providence, then I can rest assured that it will all be handled:
Since he clings to me in love, I will free him;
protect him for he knows my name.
When he calls I shall answer: “I am with you.”
I will save him in distress and give him glory.” (Psalm 91:14; Night Prayer Divine Office)
What will I focus on today then? What will my resolutions be for today that I can put my entire energy on, especially in the moments of difficulty and frustration?
I will complete every task, no matter how menial, with the most devotion, love, and focus. I will pick up clothing from the floor and place it gently in its proper place, keeping my eyes fixed on where I plan to put it. I will wipe every nook and groove of the dishes I wash, paying attention to the movement of my hands and the force I place on the sponge with my fingers. I will move my mouth freely to enunciate every syllable during my prayers, taking special care not to rush or speak with mindlessness. I will offer up all these small works and envision how by using my body in fulfilling my duties, I am praising God and being the faithful servant I was made to be.
I will return to this mindfulness whenever I catch myself in anxious thoughts and imaginations or if I feel pressured to hurry because of a screaming child or sibling argument in the background. That will simply become my next task, so I can with the same calmness, pause my current activity and turn to address the problem.
I will not allow myself to get carried away with frustration, annoyance, and anger at any chaos happening around me. I will picture myself like Peter and his fellow apostles in the storm, but will keep my eyes on Christ. I will bless the Lord for those opportunities and will soften my face, my body, and my heart when I am tempted to self-pity and become hardened with irritation at my situation.
I will be careful not to mix up my personal preferences with my real duties to educate and discipline my children. I will accept that they are full of folly and need my patience and tenderness to help them overcome this stage. I will throw myself to the mercy of God because it is only then that He will help me–not when I lean on my own strength.
Mother of Good Counsel, pray for me. Amen.
LPC Meditations 