i’ve got a pinterest board called “plan ahead to be a happy girl.”  it’s chock full of tips and printables, links to calendars and cleaning/organizing/superwoman helpful hints.  every time i grab a link from some wondrous site on the internet, i feel as though i’ve made some kind of accomplishment.  whether i ever actually do accomplish all those things is another story entirely.

 

my Papa knows.  it’s no surprise to Him that i’ve got big dreams, and i want to do all the things.  i want to climb mountains and sing arias.  i’m gonna write a book and produce a play.  i’ve got more people to photograph and women to speak to and children to raise and a marriage to exult in.  and He whispers to me yet again,

 

wait.

 

i’m learning.  slowly (sure, amidst countless uncontrollable circumstances that force my hand), ever-so-slowly, the thing of planning is being relegated to its proper place in line behind the waiting.

 

i read again recently how Nehemiah of old saw the destruction of his city and danger of his people and went to his king and asked for passage to go and right the situation.  his king, mind you, who was of opposing political, personal, and religious beliefs.  his king, you see, who immediately gave Nehemiah everything he asked for and more, offering safe travel and a good word upon arrival and even extra help and protection for the journey.

 

 

but you know what?  before setting out on this ever-so-worthy cause and journey, the man prayed for four months.  just to make sure he was on the right track.  that God was indeed spurring Him in this direction. and when he arrived at the end of his journey, he kept his lips sealed, headed out in the dead of night, and did some serious research about the true nature of the situation at hand before he ever did a thing to help his city and his people.

 

it makes me think that when i see an urgent, a worthy cause, that must be addressed immediately (and let’s be honest, in our current world, there are a few), i might have a bigger perspective.  i might seek the word of the One who made me and the great big world.  for as long as needed.  because planning ahead means having an intimate acquaintance with the Planner.  He already knows what truly must happen.  and if i’m so fortunate, He’s inviting me to be a part of it all.

 

much love –

 

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