Raise your hand if you are a chronic list maker… (I’m raising my hand, who’s with me?). I’m not sure if I go through the list making process as a way to remember what I’m supposed to be doing or if I just like the gratification of marking off stuff! I think I’ve passed this gene to my middle child – she makes more lists than me! As she is preparing to leave for college, the checklists have begun.

As a parent, around the time your child turns 18 there is this overwhelming feeling that sends you into a panic making you wonder, “Did I teach them everything I was supposed to?” Personally, I think it is that panic period that really helps make the separation easier. Your adult child doesn’t want any more lectures and the parent is stressed out over remembering what they forgot! ;)

What about a spiritual checklist? Am I doing all the things that I need to be doing for my spiritual well-being? If you had a spiritual checklist, what would be on it? I’m sure the “church answers” are on there… read your Bible, pray, go to church, help others, etc. Maybe if we dig deeper, our list might get longer. How’s my speech? How’s my time management (read: what idols are keeping me from spending time with God)? How’s my giving? I’m going to stop there – this list is hurting my feelings!

The fruits of the Spirit come when we are filling ourselves up with the things of God. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 If you want a full fruit basket, maybe it’s time to put God at the top of your list!