While I'm waiting

Waiting - For the light to change. For the computer to boot. For the coffee to brew. For the letter to arrive. For the doctor to call. For the phone to ring. For the job offer to come.

The question is not will we wait, but HOW will we wait. Anxious or peaceful? Fearful or trusting? Angry or accepting?

Philippians tells us to be anxious for nothing, but instead to bring our petitions to Him with a heart of thanks. Then and only then will the peace come. Not just a bit of peace, but the amazing peace that passes all human understanding - the peace that makes waiting possible. The peace that allows us to worship and serve Him in the midst of our waiting.

That's the kind of waiting He wants. That's our offering to Him.

Sunday Morning Praise - John 16:33

Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But TAKE HEART, because I have OVERCOME THE WORLD.
John 16:33

Planner extraordinaire

I'm not a planner by nature. Nope, not a bit. Over the years I've learned to plan out of necessity, but it seems to be an area I'm constantly working on. I often find myself tempted by the "tyranny of the urgent" rather than the consistency of sticking with the plan. I'm sure you can guess which path is more productive.

Joseph was a planner extraordinaire. When called to interpret Pharaoh's dream, he not only told him the meaning, but went on to explain exactly what he needed to do in order to prevent Egypt from crumbling. He had a plan. Over the next seven years, the plan was implemented in such a way that not only Egypt, but surrounding countries were saved from starvation. Plucked from prison and put in charge of a nation, imagine if he had allowed his good fortune to cause him to loose sight of his plan.

Made me stop and think - what sort of plans do I have for running our home - our own little nation of sorts? Joseph's meticulous planning saved a nation. If something were to prevent me from taking care of my home and family for a time, do I have enough of a plan in place to "save" my family? Would they know what to do? I sometimes joke that no one in my household could find a thing without me, but if push came to shove, how would they do? Careful planning and training on my part should allow things to run smoothly whether I'm here or not. Would chores still get done? Meals prepared? Schoolwork completed? I'm a pretty laid back person, so our schedule certainly isn't dictated by 15 minute increments, but I would like to think they would still be able to function pretty well without me here. That doesn't happen without planning.

Joseph's ability to plan came from the Lord, so I'm certain He will do the same for me. It may not come naturally, but that's probably a good thing because it forces me to rely on Him - daily. His strength shows through my weakness. By the power of the Holy Spirit, I can plan each day in such a way that it is a blessing to my family.

What plans do you have each day that keep your home running smoothly?