When the To-Do List Isn’t the Measure

As I read How Can I Feel Productive as a Mom by Esther Engelsma, I’m coming across so many encouraging truths. One that really stood out is the reminder that just because a task feels mundane doesn’t mean it’s unimportant or a waste of time. As a mom, I can still feel productive even if I don’t check off every item on my to-do list. What matters more than the number of tasks completed is the diligence with which I approach them—because that’s what God calls us to: faithfulness, not perfection.

-"Focusing on using time well gives you a positive attitude toward the work of motherhood." Some tasks that seem to “get in the way” of our checklist may feel less important—but they still matter. Whether it’s changing a diaper or sitting in traffic, these moments often serve a greater purpose. Sometimes, God uses them to give us a much-needed break from more demanding responsibilities. They can become opportunities to pause, pray, reflect on His Word, or even listen to a podcast that lifts our spirit. Motherhood has a way of disrupting our expectations—but often in ways that gently realign us with what truly matters. -"Focusing on using time well helps you get the right tasks done." Just because you managed to complete an entire checklist in a day doesn’t necessarily mean you spent your time on the right tasks. Sure, some items may have been time-sensitive and needed to be done that day—but others might have been chosen at the expense of more meaningful priorities. Sometimes we push the deeper, quieter moments aside—things that may not feel urgent but are far more important in light of eternity.

Simple acts, like reading the Bible to your child or taking time to cuddle before bed, might not look "productive" on paper—but they play a significant role in the greater goal: the salvation and sanctification of our families. -"Focusing on using time well helps you feel more productive." This perspective is only possible when we shift our focus from the results to the effort we put into each day. Effort is within our control—results are not. This mindset becomes especially important on the days when everything gets derailed—like when a child gets sick. You may have had a full list of tasks planned, but instead you spent the day caring for your little one. And that is productive. In fact, it may have been the most important thing you could have done that day. -"Focusing on using time well helps you rest better." Sometimes, restlessness doesn’t come from a lack of breaks—it comes from a lack of meaningful effort. We often fall into the mindset of rewarding ourselves simply because we feel we’ve earned it: “I’ve done so much, I deserve a trip to the nail salon.” And while there’s nothing wrong with treating ourselves, these things don’t always leave us truly rested.

True rest tends to follow when we’ve used our time well. There’s a difference between getting things done and using our time wisely—and shifting our focus to the latter brings a deeper sense of peace and fulfillment.

Calendars help us track what can happen today. Routines guide us through tasks that must happen consistently at specific times. And to-do lists hold tasks that are important, but often flexible.

These tools aren’t just about staying busy—they’re meant to help us do Martha’s work with Mary’s heart. To stay diligent, yes—but with a mindset that’s rooted in purpose, peace, and presence. Simply put, using time well means doing what you ought to be doing, when you ought to be doing it. But sometimes, what we think we should be doing—and when—doesn’t always align with what God knows is best for us in that moment. That’s where tools like prayer and a renewed mindset become essential. They help us navigate the demands of motherhood without becoming completely drained.

It’s not always easy—but the reward for our faithful efforts will be worth it.

Though this message was written by a woman and for women, I believe it applies to fathers as well. They, too, can feel the weight of responsibility and become overwhelmed by the many tasks placed before them.