Every week day I make a list for Benjamin and his support person. Technically she is a therapist. I shy away from that word since there are not any deep conversations. Unless you count his earnest convictions around John Michael Talbot. But there is no crying.

Today's list was varied.

Walk to the post office and get the mail
Empty the dishwasher
Fold clothes and put them away
Write two Christmas cards
Bake cookies

After a month of observing their teamwork I feel confident that the items will get crossed off. No debates about the relevance of the tasks. Apparently they trust me.

Today when I arrived at my job supporting an elderly woman there was a list waiting for me.

Make the bed
Empty the dishwasher
Go grocery shopping
Finish laundry

The lady who wrote it seemed pleased as punch when I walked in the door with two bags of food. The other tasks were completed before I left.

She wrote the plans down. I did them. No back talk.

Santa has a reputation for making lists. He even double checks for accuracy. The elves follow up on Christmas Eve when they pack his sleigh. No insubordination at the North Pole.

God made me a list. It's called the Ten Commandments. It includes a "Do this" as well as a "Don't do this" category.

The one about "Don't kill" came to mind yesterday when a clever but snarky comment sat perched on my tongue ready to lob at John. While no blood would have been spilled in its delivery the label killjoy would have fit.

I closed my mouth soundlessly.

No back talk. Because the fact is, I trust Him.