Explore the Power of the Checklist (1 of 2)

Explore the Power

of the Checklist (Part 1)

The New York Times best-seller, The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande records fascinating and compelling stories about the power of a simple checklist. In the book he recounts numerous instances in various professions in which the checklist makes individuals better at their respective fields, and in some instances these checklist help to avert catastrophic disasters.

"Good checklists... are precise. They are efficient, to the point, and easy to use even in the most difficult situations. They do not try to spell out everything--a checklist cannot fly a plane. Instead, they provide reminders of only the most critical and important steps--the ones that even the highly skilled professionals using them could miss. Good checklists are, above all, practical."

"They can help experts remember how to manage a complex process or configure a complex machine. They can make priorities clearer and prompt people to function better as a team." (Gawande)

Are we to the point as a society where we need a checklist in order to include our Creator into our daily lives?

Jesus made connecting with God a habit, a priority, an item on His daily to-do list.

Matthew 14:23

"After He had sent the crowds away, He went up  on the mountain by Himself to pray, and when it was evening, He was there alone."

Mark 1:35

"In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there." 

Luke 5:16

"But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray."

John 17

Jesus' prayer for his disciples and for all before being betrayed.

Jesus knew the Father. Jesus was one with the Father. Jesus, as man, took time to connect with the Father. 

Let's make sure that we put our Maker and Creator on our list of priorities each day. The list of priorities that "...provide reminders of only the most critical and important steps--the ones that even the highly skilled professionals using them could miss." 

We don't want to miss our Lord.

Father, thanks you for all of our skills, talents, and abilities. Thank you for all of our blessings. Help us to make talking with you a priority each day. In Jesus' Name. Amen