We can make our plans,
but the LORD determines our steps.
Mark is always telling me how weird I am, which I vehemently deny. I have very ordinary and typical interests and hobbies. I like to cook and bake, go shopping, read a variety of genres, and watch murder and mayhem on TV and movies—you know…typical girl stuff. But don’t ask me anything about automobiles. I’m more interested in the trunk space than what’s under the hood.
But, I’m, also, curious and interested in learning new things. This brings up the topic of weird. Saturday, I turned on the radio, listening for a few minutes before crawling out of bed. It was the auto care program. I learned about brake pads and rotors and something with numbers that I think was the model number for a Ford truck. The service manager made a point regarding a call from a listener wanting to know how to take off some kind of locking screw on the steering column. He emphasized the importance of making that call and having a plan BEFORE you started the project if you wanted to avoid big problems.
I think that is good advice for most of life’s activities. Yes, it is easy to forge ahead without bothering to read instruction manuals and figure out the basic operation. The iPhone is a perfect example of being able to use a cell phone without much difficulty but missing the many options available to make life easier with all the shortcuts and apps.
God has so much more for us each day if we take time to get our instructions. So many times I barrel through my agenda and fall into bed that night without one thought about what God might have intended for me that day. What did I miss along the way? How might it have been a little easier?
This year I’ve committed to taking the first few minutes of the day and spending it with Him. You might think that would be a cinch, however, I must to choose to not read my email. This habit has become so ingrained I don’t even think about it and before I know it, an hour has slipped by and it’s time to get ready for the day.
I read that it takes 21 days to break a habit. I am happy to report that my email has been given second place about 80% of the time for the month of January. But the best part is that I can hardly wait to open my Bible and Jesus Calling to see what God has to say to me.
Sitting still and listening to His voice as I pray and meditate on His words has been both a challenge and a blessing. His voice is quiet and gentle, so be patient. Listen. Pray. Sing. This special time allows Him to change my plan to His, making those appointments on my calendar much more productive and satisfying. He reassures me of His presence in every aspect of my life.
I challenge you to set aside time each morning to be still with Him. Let me know how it’s going.