Thursday, April 3, 2008

"Do the NEEDFUL"

This is a phrase that we have picked up from our Indian friends (from India). We have interacted with them enough to understand that when they say "Do the needful," it means, "Do the things that you HAVE to do." At first I thought this phrase was kind of funny, like Indian slang, but I have come to love this idea.

It is now a phrase that we use around the house. In fact, the girls each have a NEEDFUL list that they do every morning (get dress, brush teeth, make bed...) They totally understand that there are things that we NEED to do and things that we WANT to do.

For me, the last 2 days were full of NEEDFUL things. I had plans to take the girls to a few homeschool activities and we ended up staying home. Neither of the kids are feeling great, and the needful list was too long. More than anything, I find that I need to keep disciplined and do the things that must get done, even when I have to say no to the fun things. When I make wise decisions, it does help me alleviate stress.

We only had a day to wash the sheets and tidy up before our next company arrives, we have a huge neighborhood yard sale we are participating in, and cleaning and school work were a MUST today. I would rather play and swim and picnic and skate, but I desire to be the positive example for my children and I knew the right thing was to do the NEEDFUL.

7 comments:

Susan said...

I heard mom using your phrase...I always have high asperations of getting lots of stuff done...but just like you, my "needful" list got whittled down to visit a young girl struggling with depression, hang up my laundry, do speech therapy and Scienc reading with the kids, and write thank you postcards to supporters. Deciding what the BIG ROCKS to fit in the jar each day, before it fills with gravel, helps keep things in perspective...and help me get "the needful" done.

Ginny said...

I think I will go start a load of laundry now. I've been putting if off for days and the boys are out of clean socks. I need to do a better job of prioritizing.

Susan said...

We never got to our Science reading...bummer. But, was encouraged and thankful that my friend is doing better.

junglemama said...

Thanks for the reminder.

Lee and Bev said...

Bless you for doing what is right! It does help relieve the stress! We'll have fun later on next week, OK?

Annie said...

So true, and how often I don't do the needful! I am not always good at prioritizing. Much better in my church work than at home.

Tiffany said...

I am definitely going to be remembering this. I love it!