Every Family in God's Service

Plans

I’m a planner by nature.  I plan everything to a fault at times.  I love to be organized and thrive in that environment.  One of my most favorite gifts I ever got was my label maker.  No, seriously, it really was!

I used to be more, well, let’s call it ‘overly organized’.  I constantly worried about what came next, and how was I going to get there.  I worried about what I would wear, what we would eat, and how we would get everything done.  Would I have a job? Would my husband?  What about the kids?   I was miserable and making life for those who loved me miserable.  Getting sick a few years ago changed a lot of things for me…..and those that love me.  I had no control—at all.  I mean none….zero…nada….  I had no memories, no ideas, and no organization.  There was no order to anything in our lives for over a year.  Talking with a good friend, and coworker, he reminded me often “When God is ready to move you, He will.”  True words.  I had heard him say it to me before, but now that time has passed, I understand more what he was trying to tell me.  It was during this time of disorganization and no plans that I was able to let go, and prioritize a lot of things.  I was able to spend time with the Lord that I had neglected.  I didn’t focus on the lists, and I was able to decide what was really important for me and my family.  I won’t tell you that I don’t still make list, and that I don’t still love my label maker, but what I will tell you is that now, things generally move at a slower pace.

This week, spend some time with the Lord.  No, let me rephrase that, spend A LOT of time with the Lord.  Put the lists aside and put the label maker away.  Have Grilled cheese sandwiches instead of a big dinner.  The laundry will wait.  The dishes will too.  Miss a night of sports practice to go have dessert with your son.  Take your daughter to park to swing together.  Pray together and talk about their hopes and dreams.  Take a friend for coffee and spend time laughing together.  Send a note to someone in need.  Come to church and fellowship and love on one another.  Be kind.  Be loving.  Be forgiving.

“If you are truly in the center of God’s will, where you are in 5 years is none of your business.”  Phil Vischer

Have a wonderful week!

Jen