the list

Do you have lists?  I am not usually a list maker.  Actually, I am almost never a list maker.  Occasionally I remember to make a list for the grocery store.  Most of the time I am delegating items on the way to Super Target to my children. 


“Guys, toilet paper and onions!  Remember toilet paper and onions!  Oh!  And bread crumbs!  Someone tell me to get bread crumbs…and don’t let me leave without them!”

They are actually really good at this.  They like the feeling that the welfare of our family’s dinner and bathroom comfort is carried on their shoulders.  I love my kids for their enthusiasm. 

Plus, I really hate lists, so it all works out fine.

I do have one list, though.  It’s not super long.   It’s my list of “What Abouts”.

This, for example, is on the list:  “God, what about my amazing friend _______ who wants to get married but has had her heart broken so many times?”

And then there’s: “What about our friend who is deathly ill and hasn’t gotten well yet?”

Also included are things like: “Lord, what about the children who are sleeping in alleys tonight?  The ones around the corner from my house, who look just like my kids?”

It isn’t just the agnostic that is bothered by injustice.  For a Christian, I think it’s even harder to see unfairness in life. Those aren’t just people.  Those are people made in the image of God.  They are lives He suffered and died to set free.  His children are sleeping on cardboard beds and drinking dirty water.

But this year, some of my What Abouts have been crossed off.  Babies have come to several of my friends I have prayed for so many times.  Love is blooming in hearts that have been waiting so long.  Healing has come for dear people I love.

Some things just take time to get crossed off the list.

I am so grateful that I didn’t give up on God when it seemed He cared less than I thought He should.  I am glad He smiled as I prayed, whispering to me to trust Him that it would all sort out. 

I am particularly glad I had a list. If I hadn’t first cried at the sight of unfairness, I’m not sure I would be rejoicing so greatly now.

There will always be some What Abouts I am waiting to see God resolve.  I am beginning to realize that what seems like my list for God is really a list for myself.  My What About list reminds me to pray.  It is where God and I meet and talk faith and hope and love.   


My list is the place God lifts up His Son and looks me straight in the heart and says He has it covered.

His grace has covered it all.  Some of it is still just in the early stages of healing.  But one day, every tear will be wiped away, every sickness healed, and every care answered. 

On that day, God will be the one with the list.  

Maybe lists aren’t such a bad thing after all.