The Planning Committee

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.

—Psalm 32:8 

Today was the big day for him.  I knew he had to be nervous.  At least I was – when I was observed by my administrator.  “I’ll pray for you,” I called through my colleague's classroom door.

“I hope I don’t need prayers!” he replied with a chuckle.

“I take all the prayers I can get,” I returned with a smile.  But on the inside I kept thinking about how differently we view prayer.

What I consider a vital part of Plan A is Plan B for others.  But it hasn’t always been that way for me.  How many times have I excluded God from the planning committee only to have to call Him in for the clean-up?

During this holiday season I am reminded of times I have overspent on gifts and how I have had to call on God later to help me clean up my debt.  Other times I have overspent my energy and found that doing too many things kept me from truly enjoying any one thing. Over the years I have learned it is best to consult Him first – no matter what I am planning.

What are you planning this weekend?  I woke up with a list in my head – church bookkeeping; Christmas cards; clean my house; complete interim grades.  Perhaps you have your own list—after all this is the season for making lists and checking them twice.  Are you attempting to tackle that gift shopping list?  Or is it the grocery shopping list? The list of cookies to bake, parties to attend, or lights to hang? Maybe, like me, it’s that Christmas card list.

Whatever your list, it’s important to you.  And if it’s important to you, it’s important to God. He understands we may feel overwhelmed, and He has given us instructions on how to handle it. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, through prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Spend some time with Him early in the morning.  Have coffee together.  Share what’s on your heart—and on your list.  Ask Him to help you prioritize.  After all, this grand birthday celebration is for His Son. Let Him help you sort out the details.

“Put God in charge of your work, then what you’ve planned will take place.”—Proverbs 16:3, The Message

Dear God, You’ve been observing me since I was knit together in my mother’s womb.  You are familiar with all my ways.  You know when I leave and when I get back; I’m never out of your sight (Psalm 139:3). Lord, I give you my list—I cast all my cares upon You, for I know You care for me (1 Peter 5:7). Help me to trust You as the best administrator to handle all the details of my day. And at the day’s end may I know that it all unfolded just the way You planned. Amen.