Well, I did some major work today in the kitchen and I am so happy and soooo exhausted! I borrowed a DVD recently from my cousin Rhonda that teaches you to organize by creating zones in your house according to where you do certain activities and storing all the necessary items in each zone. She compared it to a kindergarten classroom where there's a block area, a painting area, a dress up area etc. So today I created zones in my kitchen and it really is a good way to organize! I thought of the major things that I do in the kitchen and came up with baking, dishes, and food prep. I designated a counter space and the cabinets above and drawers below for baking. Then I did the same for the dishes zone. My cabinet by the stove is the food prep area where I chop vegetables and get things mixed up to cook them on the stove. I also made the food prep area the drink "station" so the coffee pot and blender are there as well as tea bags, coffee, sugar, straws, kool aid packets, and pitchers. Dividing the room into these zones helped me figure out where to put things logically where they would be easy to get to and use. I know this isn't all that exciting to read about, but this was a huge accomplishment for me and I am so thankful for the information I received that helped me get it done.
I was reading this morning in Proverbs and came across a verse that stumped me. It says, "The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty surely to poverty." Pro. 21:5 As soon as I saw the word "diligent" in this verse my little antennae went up because I've been praying to learn diligence and put off laziness. What stumped me was the positioning of diligence against hastiness. I had been thinking that the opposite of diligence was laziness, which it is in many ways, but hastiness? I couldn't figure out the connection. Then I read John MacArthur's note at the bottom of the page and he explained that the idea of hastiness in this verse is similar to a "get rich quick" scheme. Ah hah! The light bulb went on! Hastiness is the opposite of diligence because it seeks a quick fix, an easy way out, more results with less effort. Isn't that the essence of laziness as well? So I started to think about my desire for diligence. I had become frustrated because it seemed like I'd been working so hard and there was still so much left to do. I was overwhelmed and feeling like it wasn't worth it. This verse made me realize that I was looking for a "get organized quick" scheme. I wanted to work really hard for a few days and then coast when I was all done. The truth of this verse is that the diligent persevere! They continue taking one step at a time, one day at a time, never throwing up their hands in frustration, but always being faithful to obey the Lord and waiting patiently for the promised reward, not demanding instant gratification.
So now I have the picture. Laziness wants the easy way out. Diligence does the hard work and reaps a future reward. So I will pray now for perseverance, and I will strive to be obedient as I pray. Thank you Lord for Your amazing Word that always brings us to the Truth that sets us free!
Julie ~ I LOVE this desire and determination you have demonstrated in wanting to be DILIGENT! I, too, did a personal study of this several years and remind myself of the definition often. Diligence = steady, earnest, energetic effort; PAINSTAKING, busy! As you said, diligence requires perseverance! Just wait -- Diligently cleaning out the clutter in your heart will make cleaning up the kitchen seem like a piece of cake! The great thing to know and be reminded of is that the "precious possession of a man IS DILIGENCE!" Proverbs 12:27 Praying for you, Friend!
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