Life writes in pencil – Five Minute Friday
Do you think those of us who like to plan are actually trying to control life? Beth Moore says trying to control life is like walking around with a leash…with no dog in it.
I am a planner. Actually it is a part of my spiritual gift of administration. Jeff Carver of spiritualgiftstest.com defines this gift, “The Greek word for the spiritual gift of administration is Kubernesis. It carries the idea of someone who guides and directs a group of people toward a goal or destination.” Planning is good – unless you try to write those plans on your heart with a Sharpie®.
On my desk you will find my beautiful Ibloom Planner. It makes me feel so organized. Stacks and neat rows of books join it. Looks can be deceiving.
What life has taught me over the past few years is…There is more to it (life) than I thought. I had a blueprint of the life I thought I had and would have. I wanted it written in ink.
Life writes in pencil. Let’s be willing to use an eraser. And, realize what a blessing this is.
Joining in with Kate and the other lovely writers at…
I love this idea and post! God has also been speaking to my heart lately about the need to relinquish my desire to have every detail mapped out in advance, and instead to just trust Him. Thanks for your lovely comment on Saved by Grace!
God bless,
Laurie
I like a plan too Laurie. I must remember there is one, God’s got it mapped out. I just need to stay prayed up and close so I can follow Him. Thanks for visiting!
Carmen, you always inspire! And, the vision that passed through my mind when I read this was one of God “writing in pencil” as well. I really have no idea if this aligns with anyones’ (or anyone other than my) beliefs, and I am not even sure whether to really call it a belief. But the thought came to me that maybe God’s plans are so much MORE perfect because of his omnipotent ability to make an infinite number of adjustments, in real time, based on everything else that is happening — none of which I can know! Such a practical and omniscient, God at work! But how else would he keep things on track, what with billions of people, a solar system, a UNIVERSE and free will and all? Of course, I am extending your metaphor . . . hard imagining God actually needing to write something down! Laughter!! But I DO imagine that when I am keeping my eraser handy so that he can adjust me and my life and plans at will, I am more useful, more calm, more connected to Him and have better outcomes. I may not always be comfortable with the thought that I don’t have the plan for what comes next, but wow, what comes next is much more likely to be . . . Hmmmm, I can’t think of a single word to write there. Maybe that means I should let God fill in the blank?
Ahh Phyllis I always enjoy your wisdom. Life definitely requires an infinite number of adjustments! I agree that I am so much calmer when I relinquish control and feel more useful and connected when I can trust He has the plan. The adjustments He makes are so much better. Thanks girl for visiting!
A short word, and a good word, Carmen. I love your graphic. I’ve got to throw away those sharpies and opt for pencils!
Thanks for your kind words Betsy. There are a lot of mark throughs in my life where I have tried to use Sharpies. God’s got the plan :)
Great post Carmen! We do have to be willing to align our original plans to what God’s plan is and be willing to erase our plans. I have a hard time trying to stay out of completely trying to plan my life. But when I wait for God’s plan I am always so happy I did. Many Blessings! Your friend at #fmfparty.
Verona I keep my hand on the plan myself. God just has to push it out of the way sometimes :) Thanks for visiting!
Oh, Carmen! I can SO relate to this…except the part of planning being my spiritual gift! I am not naturally organized, so I have to work at it – hence my beautiful planner. SO many times, when I’ve planned in pen, I’ve had to use the white-out so God can write His plans on my life! Wonderful post!
I am a planner Ellen but lately, I struggle. I think, just see what happens :) I have to find that balance. But wait, I struggle with balance too. Mercy!