I love the feeling of checking things off my to-do list. But in France I have learned that a realistic to-do list needs to consist of just one or two items per day. Sometimes it's my own exhaustion from language and cultural differences that slows me down; often it's the French business/government system itself.
For example, here is what I did on Friday:
- I woke up at 07h00 in the apartment where I've been staying since my arrival in order to get ready to be at my new apartment before 09h00, to wait for my furniture delivery that would come between 09h00 and 12h00.
- I had filled my big suitcase with things to take over to the new place (including a convection oven that I carried home from the store Thursday night), so I wheeled that along with me.
- I stopped at the ATM on the way, because I can only take so much out per day, and I need to pay my rent next week.
- While I waited for the furniture delivery, I worked on some things in the apartment, including setting up my new printer (which I also carried home from the store--different trip). I discovered that the printer didn't come with a USB cable, so that means I'll be taking another trip to the store.
- Furniture was delivered by 10h30, yay! So I locked up and walked to the bank to deliver a signed paper saying that I give the bank permission to withdraw money from my account so that I can pay my electric bill online. (Note: This may seem like a bit of a nuisance, but I bet it cuts down on Internet identity theft.)
- I went to the SFR store to ask about getting Internet for the apartment. I chose a plan and was told to come back Saturday morning to sign the contract. (Update: Contract signed; the box will be delivered to a parcel service at the end of next week. I'll pick it up there, and then I'll try to figure out how to set it up myself!)
All of this happened before noon, and after that, I was ready for a nap! It is easy for me to wear myself out trying to be productive; and what usually happens is that my time spent alone with God is the first thing to go--when in reality that is the most important thing. So instead of running myself ragged, I am learning to slow down and prioritize.
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.
But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
-Luke 10:38-42
A photo from my new apartment!
