My daughter texted me and said she needed me to go to school that day to make sure we ordered the correct sizes for her practice wear for band. I happened to read the text while sitting in a very busy meeting at work. Without giving it much thought, I immediately went into problem-solving mode. I searched my email looking for communication from the school. Nothing. I searched for an email from her band teacher. Nothing. Since I consider myself a fairly resourceful mama, I decided to go straight to the source. I emailed the band teacher and explained that I was at work, couldn't find the information, and wanted to know what time I needed to come in and give him her sizes.

Meanwhile, I'm texting my daughter, trying to figure out the details. That's when she replied: "Mom... this is for CHEER practice wear." Then she added, "It's on the BAND app." And finally, the statement that should have occurred to me before I emailed her teacher: "Why would I need practice wear for band?"

Solid point.

It never crossed my mind how ridiculous that sounded. I laughed so hard I cried.

I was so focused on getting the task done that I didn't stop to think about whether the task even made sense. A few minutes later, I sent the band teacher an apology email explaining that all was well and no practice wear was needed for band. At almost the exact same time, he replied that he had absolutely no idea what I was talking about because they don't have practice wear for band. I'm fairly certain he now thinks I'm a lunatic. Meanwhile, my daughter was completely mortified. And honestly? She has a right to be.

The funny thing about my practice-wear fiasco is that I wasn't doing anything bad. I was being responsible. I was being proactive. I was trying to help. The problem wasn't my intentions. The problem was that I moved so quickly that I skipped an important step: paying attention. I think many of us live that way spiritually.

We're rushing from responsibility to responsibility, solving problems, answering emails, checking boxes, and managing schedules. We become so focused on doing that we forget to slow down and ask God what matters most. Jesus invites us to seek Him first. Not last, not whenever we have extra time, but first. When we put Him first, we gain perspective. We notice things. We listen more carefully. We become less reactive and more intentional.

Instead, desire first and foremost God's kingdom and God's righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.                                                              

—Matthew 6:33 (CEB)

Before you answer an email, make a decision, solve a problem, or move on to the next task this week, pause for thirty seconds. Take a slow breath. Ask: "Lord, what am I missing?" Then listen. That's it. No complicated study plan. No extra homework. Just a simple pause that creates space for God to give perspective before you move forward. You may not avoid every embarrassing email. But you just might avoid a few unnecessary detours.

And if you happen to accidentally order practice wear for band, know that you're in good company.

Lisa Toney

Get free weekly stories and faith habits at lisatoney.com.

Author of Not One Moment Late: Trusting God’s Timing For Your Life (2026 New Release), Perfectly Flawed: God Transforms Weaknesses into Strengths (2025), The Strength To Carry: Faith for the Life You Didn't Choose: An Advent Study on Mary (2026), Thrive: Live Like You Matter (2013).