„Have to“ or „Get to“?

For a few weeks now, I’ve been experiencing a big difference: I’ve decided to replace the “have to” in my sentences with a ” get to”.
Previously, I “had to” go shopping and do the household chores. And I felt like it “had to” be done quickly to get it done; rushed and annoyed. My choice of words shows my attitude. With my mind already on the next items on my list, I walk around the store thinking about other things. It’s annoying to me because I “have to.” Do you sometimes feel that way?

Now, I’m practicing putting it this way: I “get to” go shopping. I am grateful that the shelves in the supermarket are filled; I have enough money to buy the food for our daily meals. I have the opportunity to choose what we want to eat and maybe I can please a family member or even a neighbor with it! I “get to” go to work, I “get to” do my daily job and also the many little jobs in between.

I am amazed at what a big difference that one word makes on my feelings and attitude! With the “get to” I don’t push myself anymore – and in the end I’m done in the same time. It’s healthier for me because I’m more calm. I’m surprised that it’s even more fun! My focus is finally where my tasks are.

The other effect: I am present and fully there not only physically but also in my thoughts. This makes me awake and receptive to my surroundings and the people around me! This also has an effect on my charisma! You can see if someone is annoyed or relaxed by looking at them from a distance. Maybe I see someone I know and am ready for a chat. Maybe an encouraging word is what that person needs right now (or maybe what I need). Perhaps I would have missed them or even avoided them?

Even in situations that trigger fear or anxiety, a “get to” changes so many things:
I “get to” to express a “heartfelt condolence” to someone and show my sympathy. Even if I’m afraid to do so and would prefer putting it off, I can help a person in their grief by doing so!

I “get to” tackle a challenging task where I may learn something, even if I don’t know whether I will be successful. Seniors often say in retrospect that they wish they had been more courageous. Am I glad that I can tackle this new task? Is it an opportunity?

The big difference between “have to” and “get to” is what I focus my attention on. What do I see? Am I looking at the negatives like “the fear of this conversation” or my unwillingness to do it? Or do I look at the positive, which can almost always be found, and be grateful for it? I find that I need practice. My husband now reminds me when my sentence has another “have to” in it.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people. Col 3:23

With total dedication, with zeal and joy, with all your heart, we are to do our work. We are to be fully there, to be present. No matter what I do, Jesus wants me to be awake and to be guided by Him. When I am present, I am receptive to Jesus. When I am fully there with my thoughts, then he can speak to me and I hear him because my thoughts are not filled with yesterday and tomorrow and everything else. When I am present, then I will do his will because I will be aware of what his will is!

Where is your challenge? What do you find difficult to tackle willingly and gladly? What everyday work do you resist doing? I want to encourage you to turn “have to” into “get to”. It is a little tool to be present – for the world and for God!